Shloka 22
Śalya’s Consecration as Senāpati and Kṛṣṇa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira (शल्यस्य सेनापत्यभिषेकः)
तथोक्ते द्रोणपुत्रेण सर्व एव नराधिपा: । परिवार्य स्थिता: शल्यं जयशब्दांश्न॒ चक्रिरे
tathokte droṇaputreṇa sarva eva narādhipāḥ | parivārya sthitāḥ śalyaṃ jayaśabdāṃś ca cakrire ||
Sañjaya said: When Droṇa’s son had spoken thus, all the kings gathered around Śalya and stood by him, raising cries of victory.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how collective morale and public affirmation of leadership become crucial in crisis: warriors reinforce unity by rallying around the commander and voicing victory, even when the ethical weight and uncertainty of battle remain.
After Aśvatthāmā (Droṇa’s son) speaks, the assembled kings move to Śalya, surround him in support, and raise victory shouts—signaling acceptance of his leadership and an attempt to strengthen their fighting spirit.