धृष्टद्युम्नस्य द्रोणरथारोহণं सात्यकेः प्रतिरक्षणं च | Dhrishtadyumna Boards Droṇa’s Chariot; Sātyaki’s Counter-Protection
मयाध्यर्धगुणं संख्ये तरुणं बाहुशालिनम् । प्रद्युम्नस्य प्रियं नित्यं केशवस्य ममैव च
mayādhyardhaguṇaṁ saṅkhye taruṇaṁ bāhuśālinam | pradyumnasya priyaṁ nityaṁ keśavasya mamaiva ca
ಸಮರದಲ್ಲಿ ಆ ಯೌವನವಂತ, ಬಾಹುಬಲಸಂಪನ್ನ ವೀರನು ಇದ್ದನು—ನಾನು ನನ್ನಿಗಿಂತಲೂ ಒಂದೂವರೆ ಪಟ್ಟು ಮೌಲ್ಯವಂತನೆಂದು ಎಣಿಸಿದವನು—ಪ್ರದ್ಯುಮ್ನನಿಗೆ ಸದಾ ಪ್ರಿಯ, ಕೇಶವನಿಗೂ ಮತ್ತು ನನಗೂ ಪ್ರಿಯನು।
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights how martial excellence is intertwined with personal bonds: a warrior’s worth is not only measured by strength in battle but also by the enduring affection and loyalty he inspires among revered figures like Pradyumna and Keśava.
Sañjaya, reporting the events of the war, identifies and praises a youthful, powerful fighter, emphasizing that this person is consistently beloved by Pradyumna and by Keśava (Kṛṣṇa), and is also highly valued by Sañjaya himself.