Shloka 14
Chapter 19: Prativyūha of the Pāṇḍavas — Vajra (Acala) Formation and Dawn Omens
केकया धृष्टकेतुश्व चेकितानश्व वीर्यवान् । “जब भीमसेन लोहेसे बनी हुई अपनी सुदृढ़ गदा हाथोंमें ले महान् वेगसे विचरते हैं, उस समय वे समुद्रको भी सोख सकते हैं। केकयराजकुमार, धृष्टकेतु और चेकितान भी ऐसे ही पराक्रमी हैं ।।
kekayā dhṛṣṭaketuś ca cekitānaś ca vīryavān | ete tiṣṭhanti sāmātyāḥ prekṣakās te janādhipa ||
サञ्जयは言った。「ケーカヤ、ドゥリシュタケートゥ、そして勇猛なるチェキターナ——彼らは臣下を伴いここに立ち、人の王よ、あなたを見守っている。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the political and ethical reality of war: rulers are judged not only by arms but by composure, counsel, and readiness. Being ‘watched’ by opponents with their advisers implies a test of leadership and strategic steadiness under dharma-bound conflict.
Sañjaya reports to the king that notable warriors—Kekaya forces along with Dhṛṣṭaketu and Cekitāna—are stationed with their ministers and are observing the king’s side, indicating mutual scrutiny and the tense pre-battle alignment of forces.