Shloka 4
भीमसेनस्य प्रतिघातः—भगदत्तगजप्रहारः—घटोत्कचमायायुद्धम्
Bhīma’s Counteroffensive, Bhagadatta’s Elephant Assault, and Ghaṭotkaca’s Māyā Engagement
अश्वत्थामा कृपश्चैव शीर्षमास्तां यशस्विनौ । त्रैगर्तैरथ कैकेयैर्वाटधानैश्व संयुगे,यशस्वी वीर अश्वत्थामा और कृपाचार्य शिरोभागमें खड़े हुए। इनके साथ त्रिगर्त, केकय और वाटथान भी युद्धभूमिमें उपस्थित थे
aśvatthāmā kṛpaś caiva śīrṣam āstāṃ yaśasvinau | traigartair atha kaikeyair vāṭadhānaiś ca saṃyuge ||
Asvatthama yang termasyhur dan Krpa menempati bagian kepala formasi. Bersama mereka di medan laga hadir pula kaum Trigarta, Kaikeya, dan Vatadhana.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of command in war: placing famed elders and champions at the front underscores accountability, courage, and the burden leaders bear when directing violence and protecting their troops.
Sañjaya reports troop disposition: Aśvatthāmā and Kṛpa stand at the head of the formation, with allied contingents—Trigartas, Kaikeyas, and Vāṭadhānas—present alongside them on the battlefield.