Shloka 21
अस्त्रयुद्धे द्रौणिपार्थसंघर्षः — Karṇa’s Bhārgavāstra and the Search for Yudhiṣṭhira
Chapter 45
चित्रास्त्रैश्वित्रसंनाहै: सोदर्यरभिरक्षित: । रक्ष्यमाणो महावीर्य: सहितैर्मद्रकेकयै:
citrāstraiś citrasaṃnāhaiḥ sodaryair abhirakṣitaḥ | rakṣyamāṇo mahāvīryaḥ sahitaiḥ madrakekayaiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Guarded by his own brothers, equipped with varied weapons and splendid armor, that mighty hero advanced under protection, accompanied by the assembled warriors of Madra and Kekaya.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that martial excellence is not merely individual: a warrior’s effectiveness and survival depend on dharmic bonds of kinship and the disciplined support of allies. Valor is strengthened when protection, loyalty, and coordinated effort surround it.
Sañjaya describes a great warrior moving forward in battle, splendidly armed and armored, being actively guarded by his own brothers and accompanied by the combined forces of the Madras and Kekayas—signaling a coordinated advance with protective escort.