Shloka 118
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
गाण्डीवशब्दं तमथो विदित्वा विराटराजप्रमुखा: प्रवीरा: । पाज्चालराजो द्रुपदश्न वीर- स््तं देशमाजग्मुरदीनसत्त्वा:,तब उस गाण्डीवके शब्दको पहचानकर राजा विराट आदि प्रमुख वीर और वीरवर पांचालराज ट्रपद--ये सभी उदारचित्त नरेश उस स्थानपर आ गये
gāṇḍīvaśabdaṃ tam atho viditvā virāṭarājapramukhāḥ pravīrāḥ | pāñcālarājo drupadaś ca vīrās taṃ deśam ājagmur adīnasattvāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Recognizing that sound as the twang of the Gāṇḍīva, the foremost heroes—led by King Virāṭa—and the Pāñcāla king Drupada, all steadfast and undaunted in spirit, came at once to that very place. The verse underscores how a righteous cause gathers allies: the unmistakable sign of Arjuna’s bow becomes a moral and strategic summons for courageous kings to stand together in the coming war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
A clear sign of righteous strength—here, the unmistakable sound of Arjuna’s Gāṇḍīva—draws together courageous allies. Dharma is not merely personal virtue; it also manifests as collective resolve, where the steadfast unite when the moment of duty arrives.
Sañjaya reports that the warriors, led by King Virāṭa, along with Drupada of Pāñcāla, recognize the sound of the Gāṇḍīva and promptly come to the location. It signals Arjuna’s presence and becomes a rallying cue for allied kings to assemble.