Shloka 20
त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
यथास्वं क्षत्रिया: शूरा रथेषु समयोजयन् । इसी प्रकार अन्य शूरवीर क्षत्रियोंने अपने-अपने रथोंमें यथाशक्ति सुवर्णमण्डित नाना प्रकारकी ध्वजाएँ फहरायीं ।।
yathāsvaṁ kṣatriyāḥ śūrā ratheṣu samayojayan | ratheṣu yujyamāneṣu kaṅko rājānam abravīt | mayāpy astraṁ caturmārgam avāptam ṛṣisattamāt | daṁśito ratham āsthāya padaṁ niryāmy ahaṁ gavām | ayaṁ ca balavāñ śūro ballavo dṛśyate ’nagha | gosaṅkhyaṁ aśvabandhaṁ ca ratheṣu samayojaya | naite na jātu yudhyeyur gavārtham iti me matiḥ | atha matsyo ’bravīd rājā śatānīkaṁ jaghanyajam |
As the valiant Kṣatriyas harnessed their chariots, each according to his own means, they raised many kinds of gold-adorned banners upon them. While the chariots were being yoked, Kaṅka addressed King Virāṭa: “I too have received from a foremost sage the fourfold discipline of weapon-lore. Therefore, armoured and mounted on a chariot, I shall follow the tracks of the cattle. And this Ballava, the cook, appears strong and heroic, O blameless king. Place upon the chariots also the keeper who counts the cattle and the trainer in charge of the horses. In my judgment, these men will never turn away from fighting for the sake of the cows.” Thereupon the king of the Matsyas spoke to his younger brother Śatānīka.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage foregrounds kṣatriya-dharma as protective responsibility: defending the community’s wealth and livelihood—symbolized by cattle—requires preparedness, courage, and competent organization. It also highlights ethical leadership through prudent selection of capable allies and the resolve not to abandon a just cause.
As Virāṭa’s warriors prepare their chariots and standards, Kaṅka (Yudhiṣṭhira in disguise) tells King Virāṭa that he has learned weapon-lore and will join the pursuit of the stolen cattle. He points out Ballava’s (Bhīma’s) strength and urges that key attendants connected with cattle and horses be placed on chariots as well, expressing confidence they will fight for the cattle. The scene then moves to Virāṭa addressing his younger brother Śatānīka.