Shloka 526
वृत:ः शिखण्डी त्वरितो राजानं पृष्ठतो5न्वयात् । तदनन्तर शिखण्डी, एक सहस्र रथ, तीन सौ हाथी, पाँच हजार घोड़े तथा पांचालों और प्रभद्रकोंकी सेना साथ ले उनसे घिरा हुआ शीतघ्रतापूर्वक राजा युधिष्ठिरके पीछे-पीछे गया
vṛtaḥ śikhaṇḍī tvarito rājānaṃ pṛṣṭhato 'nvayāt | tad-anantaraṃ śikhaṇḍī eka-sahasra-rathaiḥ trī-śata-hastibhiḥ pañca-sahasra-aśvaiḥ tathā pāñcālānāṃ prabhadrakāṇāṃ ca senayā sārdhaṃ parivṛtaḥ śīghratayā rājā yudhiṣṭhiraṃ pṛṣṭhato 'nvagāt ||
ସଞ୍ଜୟ କହିଲେ—ତାପରେ ଶିଖଣ୍ଡୀ ଶୀଘ୍ରଗତିରେ, ଏକ ସହସ୍ର ରଥ, ତିନିଶେ ହାତୀ, ପାଞ୍ଚ ସହସ୍ର ଘୋଡ଼ା ଏବଂ ପାଞ୍ଚାଳ-ପ୍ରଭଦ୍ରକ ସେନା ସହିତ ଘେରାଯାଇ, ରାଜା ଯୁଧିଷ୍ଠିରଙ୍କ ପଛେ ପଛେ ଅନୁସରଣ କଲା।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid violence and uncertainty, dharma is upheld through disciplined loyalty and the protection of rightful leadership; coordinated support of the king is portrayed as an ethical duty of allies and commanders.
Sañjaya reports that Śikhaṇḍī quickly follows behind King Yudhiṣṭhira, surrounded by a large contingent of chariots, elephants, horses, and allied troops of the Pāñcālas and Prabhadrakas, indicating a protective escort and organized movement within the battle.