Shloka 32
शल्य–युधिष्ठिरयुद्धप्रारम्भः
Commencement of the Śalya–Yudhiṣṭhira Duel
सात्यकेश्वैव शूरस्य मद्राणामधिपस्य च । यादृशो वै पुरा वृत्त: शम्बरामरराजयो:
sātyakeś caiva śūrasya madrāṇām adhipasya ca | yādṛśo vai purā vṛttaḥ śambarāmararājayoḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: Pertempuran antara pahlawan Sātyaki dan penguasa Madra tampak menggerunkan namun juga menakjubkan. Ia menyerupai pertempuran purba antara asura Śambara dan Indra, raja para dewa—menandakan suatu pertembungan keperkasaan luar biasa, yang keputusannya akan ditentukan oleh keberanian, ketahanan, dan dharma kepahlawanan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the epic ideal of kṣatriya-dharma: in war, a warrior’s duty is to meet a worthy opponent with steadfast courage. By comparing the duel to Indra’s mythic battle with Śambara, the text frames the encounter as a test of extraordinary valor and endurance, where ethical emphasis lies on fearless performance of one’s role rather than personal hatred.
Sañjaya describes to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the fierce duel between Sātyaki and Śalya, the ruler of Madra. He intensifies the scene by likening it to an ancient, legendary conflict—Śambara versus Indra—signaling that the combat is exceptionally formidable and awe-inspiring.