Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 34
Book 9 (Śalya-parva), Adhyāya 13 — Arjuna’s Arrow-storm and the Drauṇi Confrontation
स चतुर्भिमिहेष्वासै: पाण्डवानां महारथै: । वृतस्तान् योधयामास मद्रराज: प्रतापवान्,इन चार महाधनुर्धर पाण्डवपक्षके महारथियोंसे घिरे हुए प्रतापी मद्रराज शल्य उन सबके साथ युद्ध कर रहे थे
sa caturbhir iha iṣvāsaiḥ pāṇḍavānāṃ mahārathaiḥ | vṛtas tān yodhayāmāsa madrarājaḥ pratāpavān ||
Sañjaya dijo: Rodeado allí por cuatro grandes arqueros—poderosos guerreros de carro del bando de los Pāṇḍava—Śalya, el valeroso rey de Madra, combatió contra todos ellos.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in wartime: a ruler-warrior is expected to stand firm and meet opponents directly, even when outnumbered. It also reflects the Mahābhārata’s ethical tension—valor and duty propel action, while the broader war remains tragic and costly.
Sañjaya reports that Śalya, the king of Madra, is encircled by four Pāṇḍava-side mahārathas (elite chariot-warriors) and is actively fighting them all on the battlefield.
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