Shloka 24
वासवी-शक्तेः प्रयोगः, घटोत्कच-वधोत्तर-शोकः, व्यासोपदेशश्च
The Vāsavī Spear’s Use, Post-Ghaṭotkaca Grief, and Vyāsa’s Counsel
साग्रं शतसहस्र॑ तु हयानां तस्य धीमत: । सोमदत्तं महेष्वासं समन्तात् पर्यरक्षत,बुद्धिमान शकुनिके एक लाखसे अधिक घुड़सवार महाधनुर्धर सोमदत्तकी सब ओरसे रक्षा करने लगे
sāgraṁ śata-sahasraṁ tu hayānāṁ tasya dhīmataḥ | somadattaṁ maheṣvāsaṁ samantāt paryarakṣata | buddhimān śakunike eka-lākha-se adhika ghuṛasavāra mahā-dhanurdhara somadatta-kī saba orase rakṣā karane lage |
साग्रं शतसहस्रं तु हयानां तस्य धीमतः । सोमदत्तं महेष्वासं समन्तात् पर्यरक्षत ॥
सयजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a destructive conflict, the epic highlights the power of organized duty and loyalty: warriors coordinate to protect a valued fighter, showing how intelligence and collective discipline shape outcomes—though such virtues can serve either righteous or unrighteous causes depending on alignment with dharma.
Sañjaya reports that a cavalry force numbering over one hundred thousand forms a surrounding guard to shield Somadatta, the renowned archer, indicating a deliberate tactical effort to preserve him amid the fighting.