Shloka 193
Śalya–Yudhiṣṭhira Duel and the Discharge of the Śakti (शल्यवधप्रसङ्गः)
अजेयौ वासवेनापि समरे शूरसम्मतौ । “इसके सम्बन्धमें मेरे मनमें जो संकल्प है, वह सब तुम लोगोंसे बता रहा हूँ, सुनो। जो समरांगणमें इन्द्रके लिये भी अजेय तथा शूरवीरोंद्वारा सम्मानित हैं, वे दोनों माद्रीकुमार वीर नकुल और सहदेव मेरे रथके पहियोंकी रक्षा करें
ajeyau vāsavenāpi samare śūrasammatāu |
Sañjaya said: “Those two—Nakula and Sahadeva, the valiant sons of Mādrī—are deemed unconquerable in battle even by Vāsava (Indra) and are honored by heroes. Let them guard the wheels of my chariot.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in practice: safeguarding one’s leader and equipment in battle is a concrete form of duty. It also underscores ethical recognition of merit—true heroes honor and rely upon proven valor and steadfast protection.
In the midst of the war narrative, Sañjaya reports a tactical arrangement: Nakula and Sahadeva, praised as exceptionally formidable, are assigned to protect the chariot wheels—an essential defensive role ensuring mobility and survival in combat.