Shloka 17
Adhyāya 143: Nocturnal duels—Nākuli and Citraseṇa; Vṛṣasena’s assault; Duḥśāsana vs Prativindhya
धर्मराजप्रियान्वेषी हत्वा योधान् वरान् वरान् । शूरश्चैव कृतास्त्रश्न फाल्गुनाभ्येति सात्यकि:,'फाल्गुन! यह शूरवीर एवं उत्तम अस्त्रोंका ज्ञाता सात्यकि धर्मराजके प्रिय तुम्हारे समाचार लेनेके लिये बड़े-बड़े योद्धाओंको मारकर यहाँ आ रहा है
sañjaya uvāca | dharmarāja-priyānveṣī hatvā yodhān varān varān | śūraś caiva kṛtāstrajñaḥ phālgunābhyeti sātyakiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Seeking news of you, who are dear to King Dharma (Yudhiṣṭhira), Sātyaki—heroic and skilled in the use of weapons—has slain many eminent warriors and is now coming here to Arjuna. The line underscores loyal service amid the moral strain of war: devotion to one’s allies and duty to protect them drives even righteous fighters into fierce, consequential violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a devastating war, relationships of trust and duty persist: Sātyaki’s fierce advance is motivated not by mere aggression but by loyalty—seeking the welfare and news of those dear to Yudhiṣṭhira and reaching Arjuna. The verse highlights how dharma in wartime often appears as steadfast commitment to one’s side and responsibilities, though it carries grave ethical consequences.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Sātyaki, a brave and highly trained warrior, has cut down many leading fighters and is now approaching Arjuna (Phālguna). His purpose is to obtain or convey news connected with Yudhiṣṭhira (Dharmarāja), indicating urgent coordination among the Pāṇḍavas amid the battle.