Shloka 193
Śalya–Yudhiṣṭhira Duel and the Discharge of the Śakti (शल्यवधप्रसङ्गः)
अजेयौ वासवेनापि समरे शूरसम्मतौ । “इसके सम्बन्धमें मेरे मनमें जो संकल्प है
ajeyau vāsavenāpi samare śūrasammatāu |
Sañjaya berkata: “Kedua putra Mādrī itu—Nakula dan Sahadeva—dipandang tak terkalahkan di medan laga bahkan oleh Vāsava (Indra), dan dihormati para kesatria. Biarlah mereka menjaga roda-roda keretaku.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in practice: safeguarding one’s leader and equipment in battle is a concrete form of duty. It also underscores ethical recognition of merit—true heroes honor and rely upon proven valor and steadfast protection.
In the midst of the war narrative, Sañjaya reports a tactical arrangement: Nakula and Sahadeva, praised as exceptionally formidable, are assigned to protect the chariot wheels—an essential defensive role ensuring mobility and survival in combat.