Shloka 18
Bhīmasena’s Digvijaya and Tribute Return (भीमस्य दिग्विजयः धननिवेदनं च)
तत्त्रिगर्ता: कौन्तेयं दार्वा: कोकनदास्तथा । क्षत्रिया बहवो राजन्नुपावर्तन्त सर्वश:,तदनन्तर त्रिगर्त, दार्व और कोकनद आदि बहुत-से क्षत्रियनरेशशण सब ओरसे कुन्तीनन्दन अर्जुनकी शरणमें आये
tat trigartāḥ kaunteyaṁ dārvāḥ kokanadās tathā | kṣatriyā bahavo rājann upāvartanta sarvaśaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: Kemudian orang Trigarta, Dārvā, dan Kokanada juga—ramai para kṣatriya, wahai Raja—dari segenap penjuru berpaling kembali dan datang mencari perlindungan pada Arjuna, putera Kuntī.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in times of instability, rulers and warriors gravitate toward a protector whose strength and perceived righteousness inspire confidence. Ethically, it points to the dharmic dimension of allegiance: seeking shelter is not merely fear-driven but also a recognition of legitimate protection and leadership.
Various warrior groups—Trigartas, Dārvās, and Kokanadas—along with many other Kṣatriyas, come from all directions and place themselves under Arjuna’s protection, indicating a consolidation of support around him.