Shloka 17
Adhyāya 92: Irāvanta-śoka, punaḥ-pravṛttiḥ saṅgrāmasya
Arjuna’s grief and the battle’s renewed intensity
विराटो द्रुपदश्चैव सहिता: सर्वसोमकै: । अभ्यद्रवन्त संग्रामे भीष्ममेव महारथम्,राजा विराट और सम्पूर्ण सोमकोंसहित ट्रुपदने संग्राममें महारथी भीष्मपर ही चढ़ाई की
virāṭo drupadaś caiva sahitāḥ sarva-somakaiḥ | abhyadravanta saṅgrāme bhīṣmam eva mahā-ratham ||
विराटो द्रुपदश्चैव सहिताः सर्वसोमकैः । अभ्यद्रवन्त संग्रामे भीष्ममेव महारथम् ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the warrior ethic of confronting the strongest opponent and the strategic-moral weight of leadership in war: alliances unite to challenge a central pillar (Bhīṣma), illustrating how duty-driven courage can intensify destruction even when pursued with righteous intent.
Sañjaya reports that Virāṭa and Drupada, supported by the Somakas, launch a direct charge against Bhīṣma on the battlefield, focusing their assault on the Kaurava side’s foremost veteran and commander.