Shloka 20
Abhimanyunidhana-prakāśaḥ — Vasudeva–Kṛṣṇa–Subhadrā–Kuntī śoka-saṃvāda
Disclosure and Consolation
तिस्रस्तु पाण्डुपुत्राणां चम्वो बीभत्सुपालिता: । हतप्रवीरभूयिष्ठा बभूवु: समवस्थिता:
tisras tu pāṇḍuputrāṇāṁ camvo bībhatsupālitāḥ | hatapravīrabhūyiṣṭhā babhūvuḥ samavasthitāḥ ||
Vāsudeva dit : Les fils de Pāṇḍu avaient encore trois divisions d’armée, gardées par Arjuna (Bībhatsu). Bien que la plupart de leurs plus grands champions eussent été abattus, ces troupes demeuraient pourtant fermes, rangées et prêtes au combat—témoignant d’une résolution au milieu d’une perte accablante et de la sombre persistance de la guerre.
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after severe losses, disciplined resolve and responsible leadership can keep a community from collapsing; the verse highlights steadfastness under adversity and the kṣatriya ethic of maintaining order and readiness despite grief.
Vāsudeva describes the Pāṇḍavas’ remaining strength: three military divisions still stand, with Arjuna guarding them. Many leading warriors have fallen, yet the troops remain formed up and prepared to fight.