Shloka 38
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Anxiety and Bhīṣma’s Theological Explanation of Pāṇḍava Invincibility
Book 6, Chapter 61
तथैव पाण्डवा: सर्वे महत्या सेनया सह । द्रोणभीष्मौ रणे यत्तौ प्रत्युद्ययुररिंदमौ
tathaiva pāṇḍavāḥ sarve mahatyā senayā saha | droṇabhīṣmau raṇe yattau pratyudyayur arindamau ||
Sanjaya berkata: Demikian juga, semua Pāṇḍava, bersama bala tentera yang besar, berdiri siap untuk berperang. Mereka mara untuk berhadapan dengan Droṇa dan Bhīṣma—dua jaguh perkasa penunduk musuh—yang sedang bertempur di medan laga.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension of dharma in war: even when opponents are venerable figures like a teacher (Droṇa) and an elder (Bhīṣma), warriors bound by their roles and loyalties still advance. It points to the tragic inevitability of conflict when duty is interpreted through opposing allegiances.
Sañjaya reports that the Pāṇḍavas, supported by a large force, move forward on the battlefield to confront Droṇa and Bhīṣma, who are already actively engaged in combat. It is a moment of mutual advance and imminent clash between leading champions.