Shloka 21
भीष्म-युधिष्ठिर-संमर्दः
Bhīṣma’s Pressure on Yudhiṣṭhira; Śikhaṇḍī’s Approach; Evening Withdrawal
धृष्टकेतुस्ततो राजन्नभिमन्युश्न वीर्यवान् केकया द्रौपदेयाश्व॒ तव पुत्रानयोधयन्
dhṛṣṭaketus tato rājann abhimanyuś ca vīryavān | kekayā draupadeyāś ca tava putrān ayodhayan ||
Wahai Raja, saat itu Dhṛṣṭaketu, Abhimanyu yang gagah, para pangeran Kekaya, dan putra-putra Draupadi bertempur melawan putra-putramu.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the kṣatriya-world ethic of duty and allegiance: renowned youths and allies enter combat as part of their pledged side, highlighting how dharma in war is bound to responsibility, loyalty, and the grave consequences of violence among kin.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Dhṛṣṭaketu, Abhimanyu, the Kekaya princes, and Draupadī’s sons have begun fighting Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s sons, indicating an escalation as multiple Pāṇḍava-aligned warriors engage the Kaurava forces.