Shloka 24
त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
नेमे जातु न युध्येरन्निति मे धीयते मति: । एतच्छुत्वा तु नृपतेर्वाक्यं त्वरितमानस: । शतानीकस्तु पार्थेभ्यो रथान् राजन् समादिशत्
vaiśampāyana uvāca | neme jātu na yudhyeyur iti me dhīyate matiḥ | etac chrutvā tu nṛpater vākyaṃ tvarita-mānasaḥ | śatānīkas tu pārthebhyo rathān rājan samādiśat |
Vaiśampāyana said: “It is not possible that these men would ever refrain from fighting—such is my settled conviction; they must be skilled in war.” Hearing the king’s words, Śatānīka, his mind quickened with urgency, ordered that chariots be brought at once for the sons of Pṛthā (the Pāṇḍavas), O King.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the expectation of kṣatriya conduct: true warriors are not imagined to abstain from battle when duty calls. It also highlights prudent recognition of capability—judging from conduct and circumstance that the Pāṇḍavas are battle-trained—and acting decisively in response.
The narrator reports a conclusion that these men (the Pāṇḍavas in disguise) must be fighters. After the king’s remark is heard, Śatānīka, moved by urgency, commands that chariots be quickly arranged for the Pāṇḍavas, preparing them for imminent conflict.