Shloka 9
Kṛpa’s Archery Display; Śikhaṇḍin Checked; Suketu Slain; Dhṛṣṭadyumna–Kṛtavarmā Clash (कृपशौर्य–पार्षतहार्दिक्ययुद्धम्)
सहित: सर्वयोधैस्त्वं व्यूढानीकै: सुरक्षित: । धनंजयेन युध्यस्व श्रेयश्वेत् प्राप्तुमिच्छसि,यदि तुम कल्याण प्राप्त करना चाहते हो तो व्यूहरचनापूर्वक खड़े हुए समस्त सैनिकोंके साथ सुरक्षित रहकर अर्जुनसे युद्ध करो
sahitaḥ sarvayodhais tvaṃ vyūḍhānīkaiḥ surakṣitaḥ | dhanaṃjayena yudhyasva śreyaś cet prāptum icchasi ||
Śalya said: “Stand together with all your warriors, protected by a properly arrayed battle-formation, and fight Dhanañjaya (Arjuna). If you wish to attain what is truly beneficial (śreyas), then engage him in battle under such disciplined protection.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Śalya emphasizes disciplined action: if one seeks śreyas (true welfare/higher good), one should act with proper preparation, protection, and order—here, fighting Arjuna while supported by a well-arranged formation rather than relying on reckless individual valor.
In the Karṇa Parva battle context, Śalya addresses his side’s warrior (implicitly Karṇa) and urges him to confront Arjuna (Dhanañjaya) while staying safeguarded within a properly deployed army formation, highlighting tactical prudence amid the duel-driven warfare.