Shloka 13
कर्णस्य सेनापत्यं, माकरव्यूहः, पाण्डवानामर्धचन्द्रव्यूहः
Karna’s Command; Mākara Formation; Pandava Crescent Counter-Array
महारथ: केकयराजपुत्र: सदश्वयुक्तं च पताकिनं च । रथं समारुहाय कुरुप्रवीर व्यवस्थितो योद्धुकामस्त्वदर्थ,कुरुकुलके श्रेष्ठ वीर! महारथी केकयराजकुमार भी सुन्दर घोड़ोंसे जुते हुए, ध्वजा- पताकाओंसे सुशोभित रथपर आरूढ़ हो आपके लिये युद्ध करनेकी इच्छासे डटा हुआ है
sañjaya uvāca |
mahārathaḥ kekayarāja-putraḥ sad-aśva-yuktaṃ ca patākinaṃ ca |
rathaṃ samāruhya kuru-pravīra vyavasthito yoddhu-kāmas tvad-arthaṃ ||
Sañjaya said: O foremost hero of the Kurus, the Kekaya king’s son—a great chariot-warrior—has mounted his chariot, well-yoked with excellent horses and adorned with banners and pennons. For your sake, desiring to fight, he stands firmly in battle array.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣātra-dharma in practice: disciplined readiness for battle joined with loyalty to one’s leader. Ethical emphasis falls on steadfast commitment and the public, accountable posture of a warrior who takes his place openly in formation “for your sake,” signaling duty-bound allegiance rather than private violence.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that a Kekaya prince, described as a mahāratha, has mounted a well-equipped, bannered chariot and is standing prepared in the battle array, eager to fight on behalf of the addressed Kuru hero.