Shloka 2
मुद्गलोपाख्यानम् — व्रीहिद्रोणदानं, दुर्वाससः परीक्षा, स्वर्गगुणप्रश्नः
Mudgala Episode: Rice-measure Charity, Durvāsas’ Test, Inquiry on Heaven
चत्वार: पाण्डवा वीरा गन्धर्वाश्षन सहस्रश: । रणे संन्यपतन् राज॑स्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्,राजन! वीर पाण्डव केवल चार थे, परंतु उस रणभूमिमें हजारों गन्धर्व उनपर एक साथ टूट पड़े थे। यह एक अद्भुत-सी बात थी
catvāraḥ pāṇḍavā vīrā gandharvāś ca sahasraśaḥ | raṇe saṃnyapatan rājan tad adbhutam ivābhavat ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O King, the four heroic Pāṇḍavas were confronted in battle by Gandharvas in their thousands, who rushed upon them all at once. It seemed a wondrous and astonishing sight.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the contrast between numerical strength and true valor: even when outnumbered, steadfast courage and disciplined resolve can make a situation appear extraordinary. It also frames the encounter as ‘adbhuta’—inviting reflection on how dharma-driven heroes face overwhelming odds without losing composure.
Vaiśampāyana describes a battlefield moment where only four Pāṇḍava warriors stand against thousands of Gandharvas who charge them together, creating an astonishing spectacle for the listener (the King).