Shloka 53
शल्यस्य पाण्डवसेनापीडनम् — Śalya’s Assault on the Pāṇḍava Host
with Omens and Bhīma’s Counter
तां तु सेनां महाराज मद्रराज: प्रतापवान् । अपालयदू रणे शूर: सेनापतिररिंदम:,महाराज! उस समय रणभूमिमें शत्रुओंका दमन करनेवाले वीर सेनापति प्रतापी मद्रराज शल्यने आपकी उस सेनाका संरक्षण किया
tāṁ tu senāṁ mahārāja madrarājaḥ pratāpavān | apālayad raṇe śūraḥ senāpatir arindamaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: O King, in that battle the valiant and illustrious ruler of Madra—Śalya—an indomitable foe-destroying commander, protected that army of yours.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores a kṣatriya leader’s dharma in war: a commander’s responsibility includes protecting and sustaining his troops, not only attacking the enemy. Prowess is joined with guardianship and steadiness under pressure.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Śalya, the powerful king of Madra serving as commander, safeguarded the Kaurava forces on the battlefield, acting as a foe-crushing protector of the army.