Shloka 6
Rājasūya-sambhāra: Prosperity under Rājadharma and the Initiation of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Sacrifice
पाण्डव: सुमहावीर्यों बलेन बलिनां वर: । स काशिराजं समरे सुबाहुमनिवर्तिनम्
pāṇḍavaḥ sumahāvīryo balena balināṃ varaḥ | sa kāśirājaṃ samare subāhum anivartinam ||
Sang Pāṇḍava, yang berdaya kepahlawanan amat besar dan terunggul di antara para kuat, menghadapi dalam pertempuran raja Kāśī, Subāhu—yang teguh dan tak sudi mundur.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores kṣatriya ideals: true strength is not mere physical power but steadfastness and resolve in the face of conflict. It presents valor as disciplined commitment to one’s martial duty, where retreat is not chosen lightly.
Vaiśampāyana describes a combat encounter: a foremost Pāṇḍava warrior meets the king of Kāśī, Subāhu, on the battlefield. The emphasis is on the Pāṇḍava’s superior might and Subāhu’s unyielding refusal to withdraw.