Shloka 15
द्रोणपर्व — अध्याय 128: दुर्योधनस्य परसेनाप्रवेशः
Duryodhana’s Incursion and the Tumult of Battle
यथैव च मम प्रीतिरर्जुने शत्रुसूदने,'शत्रुसूदन अर्जुनपर जैसा मेरा प्रेम है, वैसा ही रणदुर्मद वृष्णिवंशी वीर सात्यकिपर भी है। मैंने शिनिवंशका आनन्द बढ़ानेवाले सात्यकिको महान् कार्यभार सौंप रखा था
yathaiva ca mama prītir arjune śatrusūdane | tathāiva raṇadurmada vṛṣṇivaṃśye vīre sātyakau ||
Sañjaya said: “Just as my affection rests upon Arjuna, the slayer of foes, so too it rests upon the battle-intoxicated hero Sātyaki of the Vṛṣṇi line. To that delight of the Śini clan I had entrusted a great and weighty responsibility.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical leadership in war: affection and esteem should align with merit and responsibility. Sañjaya’s equal regard for Arjuna and Sātyaki underscores loyalty to capable protectors and the importance of entrusting major duties to proven warriors.
Sañjaya tells Dhṛtarāṣṭra that his goodwill toward Arjuna is matched by his regard for Sātyaki, a fierce Yādava hero. He notes that Sātyaki—who brings joy to the Śini clan—has been assigned a significant task in the unfolding battle situation.