Shloka 30
Book 9 (Śalya-parva), Adhyāya 13 — Arjuna’s Arrow-storm and the Drauṇi Confrontation
ते वार्यमाणा: समरे मद्रराज्ञा महारथा: । न शेकुः सम्मुखे स्थातुं तस्य शत्रुनिष्दना:
te vāryamāṇāḥ samare madrarājñā mahārathāḥ | na śekuḥ sammukhe sthātuṃ tasya śatruniṣūdanāḥ ||
Dijo Sañjaya: Aunque aquellos grandes guerreros de carro eran contenidos en el campo de batalla por el rey de Madra, no pudieron mantenerse frente a él; pues era un destructor de enemigos.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring epic insight: in righteous and unrighteous conflicts alike, moral and psychological strength—manifest as fearlessness, steadiness, and mastery—can decide outcomes as much as weapons. A formidable leader can restrain many, causing even renowned fighters to lose the capacity to face him directly.
Sañjaya reports that the king of Madra (Śalya) is effectively checking the opposing great warriors in the battle. Despite their status as mahārathas, they cannot hold their ground face-to-face against him, because he is portrayed as a powerful slayer of enemies.