Shloka 28
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
धनंजये कथं नाथे पाण्डवे च वृकोदरे | नकुले सहदेवे च भीतिरभ्येति पाण्डवम्,'पाण्डुनन्दन धनंजय, वृकोदर भीम तथा नकुल-सहदेव-जैसे सहायकोंके रहते हुए युधिष्ठिरके मनमें भय कैसे हो गया!
dhanañjaye kathaṁ nāthe pāṇḍave ca vṛkodare | nakule sahadeve ca bhītir abhyeti pāṇḍavam ||
Sañjaya said: “How could fear arise in the heart of the Pāṇḍava (Yudhiṣṭhira) when Dhanañjaya Arjuna stands as his lordly protector, and when Vṛkodara Bhīma, along with Nakula and Sahadeva, are present as his steadfast allies?”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical expectation of courage and steadiness in a righteous leader: when capable protectors and loyal allies are present, fear is seen as a lapse in confidence and resolve, especially in the context of dharma-yuddha where inner firmness supports just action.
Sañjaya, narrating events to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, expresses surprise that Yudhiṣṭhira feels fear even though he is supported by his powerful brothers—Arjuna as chief protector, Bhīma as formidable strength, and Nakula-Sahadeva as reliable companions—underscoring the tension and uncertainty on the battlefield.