Shloka 41
शल्य–युधिष्ठिरयुद्धप्रारम्भः
Commencement of the Śalya–Yudhiṣṭhira Duel
तत्राद्भुतं परं चक्रे शल्य: शत्रुनिबर्हण: । यदेक: समरे शूरो योधयामास वै बहून्,उस रणभूमिमें शत्रुसूदन शूरवीर शल्यने यह बड़ा अद्भुत पराक्रम किया कि अकेले ही वे उन बहुसंख्यक वीरोंके साथ युद्ध करते रहे
tatrādbhutaṃ paraṃ cakre śalyaḥ śatrunibarhaṇaḥ | yad ekaḥ samare śūro yodhayāmāsa vai bahūn |
Sañjaya said: There on the battlefield, Śalya—the crusher of foes—performed a most astonishing feat: though alone, that heroic warrior continued to engage and fight against many opponents in the thick of battle. The verse highlights the awe inspired by singular martial prowess, while also underscoring the grim ethic of war where valor is measured amid mass violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the ideal of kṣatriya valor—steadfastness and fearlessness in combat—even when outnumbered. Ethically, it also invites reflection on how epic praise of heroism coexists with the tragic reality of war, where extraordinary prowess is celebrated amid widespread destruction.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that on the battlefield Śalya displayed an astonishing feat: he fought many warriors while standing alone, demonstrating exceptional martial power and endurance.