Shloka 25
शल्यो भूरिश्रवा: क्राथ: सोमदत्तो विविंशति: । वृषसेन: सुषेणश्च कुण्डभेदी प्रतर्दन:
śalyo bhūriśravāḥ krāthaḥ somadatto viviṁśatiḥ | vṛṣasenaḥ suṣeṇaś ca kuṇḍabhedī pratardanaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Śalya, Bhūriśravā, Krātha, Somadatta, Viviṁśati, Vṛṣasena, Suṣeṇa, Kuṇḍabhedī, and Pratardana—these warriors were present among the combatants, named as notable figures in the unfolding battle. The verse functions as a roll-call of martial leaders, underscoring the scale of the conflict and the grave ethical weight borne by those who choose to fight in a war of kin.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse itself is not a doctrinal instruction but a narrative catalogue: by naming renowned fighters, it highlights the vast human cost of adharma-driven rivalry and the heavy responsibility of kṣatriyas whose choices in war carry ethical consequences for families and kingdoms.
Sañjaya is reporting to Dhṛtarāṣṭra and enumerates notable warriors present in the battle context of Droṇa Parva, identifying key Kaurava-side figures and allies as the fighting intensifies.