Shloka 21
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
मद्रराजस्य शल्यस्य भूरिश्रवस एव च | पुत्राणां भरतश्रेष्ठ शकुने: सौबलस्य च
madrarājasya śalyasya bhūriśravas eva ca | putrāṇāṃ bharataśreṣṭha śakuneḥ saubalasya ca
Sañjaya berkata: “Wahai yang terbaik dalam keturunan Bharata, (dia menyebut) anak-anak Śalya, raja Madra, dan juga Bhūriśravas, serta anak-anak Śakuni, putera Subala.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse functions as a narrative transition emphasizing accountability through lineage: warriors and their houses are named explicitly, underscoring that choices in war are borne not only by individuals but also by the reputations and consequences carried by families and allied clans.
Sanjaya addresses Dhritarashtra (“best of the Bharatas”) and introduces a listing/account of the sons (forces or fallen) connected with key Kaurava-side figures—Shalya of Madra, Bhurishravas, and Shakuni (son of Subala)—as part of the ongoing war report in Shalya Parva.