Shloka 40
Bhagadatta’s Advance, the Saṃśaptaka Challenge, and Arjuna’s Counterstrike (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय २६)
स कुणज्जरस्थो रथिभि: शुशुभे सर्वतो वृत:
sa kuñjarastho rathibhiḥ śuśubhe sarvato vṛtaḥ
Sañjaya dit : Posté sur un éléphant et entouré de toutes parts par d’habiles guerriers de char, il rayonnait—protégé par ses compagnons dans la cohue du combat, image saisissante de l’ordre martial et du devoir commun en temps de guerre.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical dimension of warfare as understood in the epic: individual brilliance is sustained by disciplined protection and coordinated support, reflecting collective responsibility within kṣatriya-dharma.
Sañjaya describes a prominent warrior positioned on an elephant, surrounded on all sides by chariot-fighters, appearing splendid due to the protective ring of rathins amid the ongoing battle.