Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 32
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
तान् निवृत्तरथान् दृष्टवा पाण्डवान् सा महाचमू: । वैराटि: परमक्ुद्धो युयुधे परमाद्भुतम्
tān nivṛttarathān dṛṣṭvā pāṇḍavān sā mahācamūḥ | vairāṭiḥ paramakruddho yuyudhe paramādbhutam ||
Seeing the Pāṇḍavas turn their chariots back (toward the Trigartas), that vast army of the Matsya forces also wheeled around. Then Vairāṭi (the prince of Virāṭa), inflamed with intense anger, began to fight in a manner most astonishing.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in action: when rightful defenders take a stand, the wider host gains resolve and follows. It also implicitly cautions that anger can fuel valor, yet it must be harnessed toward protection of the realm rather than mere rage.
As the Pāṇḍavas turn their chariots back toward the Trigartas, the Matsya army also turns to re-engage. Virāṭa’s son (Vairāṭi/Śveta) becomes intensely angry and begins an extraordinary fight, signaling a renewed and escalated phase of the battle.