Shloka 25
Rajo-dhūli-saṃmūḍha-saṅgrāmaḥ
The Dust-Obscured Battle and Mutual Charges
श्वेतं तु निहतं दृष्टवा विराटस्य चमूपतिम् । कृतवर्मणा च सहित दृष्टवा शल्यमवस्थितम्
śvetaṃ tu nihataṃ dṛṣṭvā virāṭasya camūpatim | kṛtavarmaṇā ca sahitaṃ dṛṣṭvā śalyam avasthitam ||
Санджая сказал: Увидев Швету — военачальника войска Вираты — поверженным и мёртвым, и увидев Шалью, стоящего твёрдо вместе с Критаварманом, воины ясно осознали решимость и расстановку сил на поле брани.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores a battlefield ethic central to kṣatriya-dharma: even when a leader falls, others must uphold their duty and maintain steadiness. It highlights impermanence of life and the necessity of disciplined resolve amid loss.
Sañjaya reports that Śveta, the commander of King Virāṭa’s forces, has been killed. He also notes Śalya positioned firmly, accompanied by Kṛtavarman—indicating the opposing side’s readiness and continued organization after the fall of a key commander.