Shloka 9
कृतवर्मादिश्ि: शूरैर्यत्तैर्बहुभिराहवे । युयुधानो न शकितो हन्तुं यत् पुरुषर्षभ:,कृतवर्मा आदि बहुत-से शूरवीर समरांगणमें प्रयत्न करते ही रह गये; परंतु पुरुषप्रवर सात्यकि मारे न जा सके
kṛtavarmādiś ca śūrair yattair bahubhir āhave | yuyudhāno na śakito hantuṃ yat puruṣarṣabhaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Though many valiant warriors—led by Kṛtavarmā—strove with all their might on the battlefield, they were unable to slay Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki), that bull among men. The verse underscores how sheer numbers and effort in war do not guarantee success when confronted by exceptional prowess and steadfast resolve.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahābhārata insight: collective force and strenuous effort in war may still fail against extraordinary capability and unwavering resolve; outcomes are not determined by numbers alone.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Kṛtavarmā and many other warriors fought hard in the battle, yet they could not kill Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki), who is praised as a foremost man and fighter.