Shloka 21
Virāṭa’s Mobilization to Recover the Cattle (गोधनरक्षणार्थ विराटस्य सैन्यसमायोजनम्)
“जिधरसे आक्रमणका निश्चय हो, उसी ओर हम कौरव-सैनिकोंके साथ चलें। महारथी सुशर्मा भी त्रिगर्तोके साथ निश्चित दिशाकी ओर जायेँ और अपने समस्त बल (सेना) एवं वाहनोंको साथ ले लें
yad diśi ākramaṇasya niścayo bhavet tām eva diśaṃ vayaṃ kaurava-sainikaiḥ saha yāmaḥ | mahārathaḥ suśarmāpi trigartaiḥ saha niścitāṃ diśaṃ yātuṃ samartho bhavatu, sa ca sva-sarva-balaṃ (senām) vāhanāni ca sarvāṇi sahaiva gṛhṇīyāt |
Vaiśampāyana said: “Whichever direction the decision for attack is fixed upon, in that very direction we shall march together with the Kaurava troops. Let the great chariot-warrior Suśarmā also proceed with the Trigartas toward the chosen quarter, taking with him his entire strength—his army and all vehicles—fully prepared.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined resolve and coordinated action in warfare: once a plan is fixed, allies must move in unity, fully prepared with men and resources—an aspect of kṣatriya conduct emphasizing organization, commitment, and responsibility for one’s forces.
The narrator describes a strategic directive: the Kaurava forces will march toward the decided direction of attack, and Suśarmā, the Trigarta leader, is instructed to advance with his contingent, bringing the full complement of troops and vehicles to support the operation.