Shloka 10
Adhyāya 31: Rājasūya-samāgama — The Gathering of Kings and the Ordering of Hospitality
विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ सैन्येन महता55वृतौ । जिगाय समरे वीरावदश्चिनेय: प्रतापवान्
vaindānuvindāv āvantyau sainyena mahatā vṛtau | jigāya samare vīrāv adaścineyaḥ pratāpavān |
Vaiśampāyana said: In the battle, the mighty Sahadeva—son of the Aśvinīkumāras—defeated the two heroic princes of Avanti, Vinda and Anuvinda, though they were surrounded and protected by a vast army. The episode underscores disciplined valor in righteous warfare: prowess is measured not by mere numbers, but by steadfast courage and duty-bound conduct on the battlefield.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when opponents are backed by superior numbers, disciplined courage and adherence to kṣatriya-duty can prevail; true strength is shown through steadfast, duty-bound action rather than reliance on sheer force.
During the Pandavas’ campaign connected with Yudhiṣṭhira’s imperial ambition, Sahadeva engages the Avanti princes Vinda and Anuvinda and defeats them in battle despite their being protected by a large army.