Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 43
शल्यस्य पाण्डवसेनापीडनम् — Śalya’s Assault on the Pāṇḍava Host
with Omens and Bhīma’s Counter
नकुलं विरथं दृष्टवा द्रौपदेयो महारथम्
nakulaṁ virathaṁ dṛṣṭvā draupadeyo mahāratham
संजय म्हणाला—नकुलाला विरथ झालेला पाहून द्रौपदीपुत्र तो महारथी (पुढे सरसावला).
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a key battlefield value in epic warfare: the condition of being 'viratha' (without a chariot) marks a critical vulnerability. It frames how warriors respond to shifts in advantage and disadvantage, raising ethical questions about protection, fairness, and the duty of powerful fighters in moments of another’s exposure.
Sañjaya reports that Nakula is seen to be without his chariot. In response, a Draupadeya—described as a mahāratha—takes notice and moves into the action, setting up the next beat of combat involving Nakula and the son of Draupadī.
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