Shloka 6
पाण्डव: सुमहावीर्यों बलेन बलिनां वर: । स काशिराजं समरे सुबाहुमनिवर्तिनम्
pāṇḍavaḥ sumahāvīryo balena balināṃ varaḥ | sa kāśirājaṃ samare subāhum anivartinam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The Pāṇḍava, possessed of exceedingly great prowess and foremost among the strong in might, confronted in battle the king of Kāśī—Subāhu—who was unyielding and would not turn back.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores kṣatriya ideals: true strength is not mere physical power but steadfastness and resolve in the face of conflict. It presents valor as disciplined commitment to one’s martial duty, where retreat is not chosen lightly.
Vaiśampāyana describes a combat encounter: a foremost Pāṇḍava warrior meets the king of Kāśī, Subāhu, on the battlefield. The emphasis is on the Pāṇḍava’s superior might and Subāhu’s unyielding refusal to withdraw.