Shloka 10
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
मत्स्यो विराटो बलवान कृतास्त्रो युद्धदुर्मद: । प्रसहिष्यति संग्रामे भीष्म तांश्ष॒ महारथान्
matsyo virāṭo balavān kṛtāstro yuddha-durmadaḥ | prasa-hiṣyati saṅgrāme bhīṣma tān mahārathān ||
Sahadeva said: “Virāṭa, the mighty king of the Matsyas, trained in weapons and fiercely exultant in battle, will be able to withstand in the field of war Bhīṣma and those great chariot-warriors.”
सहदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma in statecraft includes seeking righteous support and relying on proven allies. Sahadeva emphasizes that strength should be aligned with legitimate purpose—securing one’s rightful share—through dependable relationships and capable protectors rather than reckless aggression.
During the Udyoga Parva deliberations about the coming war, Sahadeva argues that the Pandavas have strong backing: King Virāṭa of Matsya, a skilled and powerful warrior, can stand against Bhīṣma and other elite Kaurava fighters on the battlefield.