Shloka 23
Bhīmasena–Drauṇi Mahāyuddha
Chariot Duel and Astra-Exchange
पश्य पार्थ यथा सेना धार्तराष्ट्रीह संयुगे । कर्णेन विहिता वीर गुप्ता वीरैर्महारथै:,“वीर पार्थ! देखो, इस समय युद्धस्थलमें धृतराष्ट्रपुत्रोंकी सेना कैसी स्थितिमें है? कर्णने वीर महारथियोंद्वारा इसे किस प्रकार सुरक्षित कर दिया है?
paśya pārtha yathā senā dhārtarāṣṭrīha saṁyuge | karṇena vihitā vīra guptā vīrair mahārathaiḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Lihatlah, wahai Pārtha—lihat bagaimana bala tentera putera-putera Dhṛtarāṣṭra berdiri di medan pertempuran ini. Wahai wira, perhatikan bagaimana Karṇa menyusun mereka dan bagaimana mereka dikawal oleh para pahlawan besar, para pejuang kereta perang yang agung.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of warfare in the epic: victory is not only a matter of force but of disciplined organization, capable leadership, and the protection of one’s forces. It frames battle as a domain where responsibility and strategic order (vyūha/arrangement) are central to a kṣatriya’s conduct.
Sañjaya directs Arjuna’s attention to the Kaurava host on the battlefield, emphasizing that Karṇa has arranged the army and that it is strongly guarded by great chariot-warriors. The line sets the scene for the coming engagement by underscoring the enemy’s preparedness and defensive strength.