Shloka 38
शैनेयचरितम्
The Exploits of Śaineya/Sātyaki amid Encirclement
शैब्यो गोवासनो राजा योधैर्दशशतावरै: । काश्यस्याभि भुव: पुत्र पराक्रान्तमवारयत्,शिबिदेशीय राजा गोवासनने कम-से-कम एक सहस्र योद्धा साथ लेकर काशिराज अभिभूके पराक्रमी पुत्रका सामना किया
saibyo govāsano rājā yodhair daśaśatāvaraiḥ | kāśyasyābhibhuvaḥ putraḥ parākrāntam avārayat ||
Sañjaya said: King Govāsana of the Śibi country, accompanied by warriors numbering in the thousands, checked the advance of the valiant son of Abhibhū of Kāśī. In the press of battle, a regional ruler stands as a bulwark against a famed Kāsī prince—an episode that highlights how duty in war is carried out through organized resistance and loyalty to one’s side, even amid overwhelming violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores kṣatriya-dharma in practice: in war, leaders must protect their side by confronting powerful opponents. Ethical emphasis lies in steadfastness, organized defense, and fulfilling one’s role without retreat when duty demands resistance.
Sañjaya reports a battlefield encounter: Govāsana, the Śibi king, arrives with a large force and halts the advance of the courageous son of Abhibhū from Kāśī, preventing him from pushing forward in the fight.