Shloka 76
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
केकया भ्रातर: पञ्च गान्धारान् पञठ्च मारिष | ससैन्यास्ते ससैन्यांश्ष॒ योधयामासुराहवे,राजन! पाँच भाई केकयराजकुमारोंने सेनासहित आकर युद्धमें अपनी विशाल वाहिनीके साथ खड़े हुए गान्धारदेशीय पाँच वीरोंके साथ युद्ध आरम्भ किया
kekayā bhrātaraḥ pañca gāndhārān pañca māriṣa | sa-sainyās te sa-sainyāṁś ca yodhayāmāsur āhave rājan ||
Sañjaya berkata: Wahai Raja, lima bersaudara Kekaya datang bersama bala tentera mereka lalu bertempur dengan lima pahlawan Gandhara yang juga berdiri dengan pasukan masing-masing. Maka, dengan tentera di kedua-dua pihak, pertembungan itu pun meletus dalam perang besar.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the epic reality of kshatriya-dharma in wartime: once alliances are formed and armies assembled, duty and loyalty to one’s side drive combat even against equally valorous opponents. It highlights how collective obligations and political bonds intensify conflict.
Sanjaya reports to the king that the five Kekaya brothers, supported by their troops, begin fighting against five Gandhara warriors who also stand with their own forces—marking a specific engagement within the larger Kurukshetra battle.