Shloka 4
कर्णस्य सेनापत्याभिषेकः | Karṇa’s Consecration as Commander-in-Chief
सम: किरीटिना संख्ये वीर्येण च बलेन च । सत्यजित् सत्यसंधेन द्रोणेन निहतो युधि,सत्यजित् संग्राममें किरीटधारी अर्जुनके समान बल और पराक्रमसे सम्पन्न था, जिसे युद्धस्थलमें सत्यप्रतिज्ञ द्रोणाचार्यने मार डाला
samaḥ kirīṭinā saṅkhye vīryeṇa ca balena ca | satyajit satyasaṃdhena droṇena nihato yudhi ||
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, Satyajit—equal to the diadem-wearing Arjuna in prowess and in strength—was slain on the field by Droṇa, a man steadfast to his vow.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh moral reality of war: personal excellence does not guarantee survival, and a warrior’s steadfast commitment to vows (satyasaṃdhi) can become a decisive force. It also reflects the Mahābhārata’s recurring tension between individual valor and the larger, often tragic, workings of dharma and destiny on the battlefield.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Satyajit, a warrior described as equal to Arjuna in strength and valor, was killed in combat by Droṇa, who is characterized as unwavering in his pledge.