Shloka 27
अध्याय २९: कर्णस्य शल्यं प्रति शापस्मरणं च युद्धनिश्चयः | Chapter 29: Karṇa recalls curses to Śalya and declares resolve for battle
उत्तमौजा युयुत्सुश्न यमौ पार्षत एव च | चेदिकारूषमत्स्यानां केकयानां च यद् बलम्
uttamaujā yuyutsuś ca yamau pārṣata eva ca | cedikārūṣamatsyānāṁ kekayānāṁ ca yad balam |
Sañjaya said: “Uttamaujā, Yuyutsu, the twin sons (Nakula and Sahadeva), and Pārṣata (Dhṛṣṭadyumna) as well—together with the forces of the Cedis, the Kāruṣas, the Matsyas, and the Kekayas—closed in. In that surge of allied strength, the foremost warriors of the Pāṇḍavas pressed Karṇa from every side, showering him with weapons and harsh battle-cries, intent on bringing him down.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the collective force of dharma-aligned allies acting with unified intent in war. Ethically, it underscores how outcomes in the Kurukṣetra conflict are shaped not only by individual prowess but by coalition, resolve, and the momentum of accumulated choices—here converging upon Karṇa, a great warrior bound by loyalty and prior commitments.
Sañjaya lists key Pāṇḍava-side warriors and allied contingents (Cedi, Kāruṣa, Matsya, Kekaya) as they converge in battle. Their combined strength presses in around Karṇa, indicating a coordinated attempt to overwhelm him through encirclement and concentrated attack.