Shloka 6
शकुनिवधः — Sahadeva’s Slaying of Śakuni
with Ulūka’s fall
असौ तिष्ठति पाज्चाल्य: श्रिया परमया युतः । दुर्योधनबलं हत्वा सह सर्व: प्रभद्रकै:
asau tiṣṭhati pāñcālyaḥ śriyā paramayā yutaḥ | duryodhana-balaṃ hatvā saha sarvaiḥ prabhadrakaiḥ ||
Wika ni Sañjaya: “Naroon ang prinsipe ng Pāñcāla, puspos ng sukdulang ningning. Matapos lipulin ang hukbo ni Duryodhana kasama ang lahat ng Prabhadraka, nananatili siyang lantad at kapansin-pansin—ang tagumpay ay nasusukat sa liwanag ng natupad na kagitingan sa mabagsik na batas ng digmaan.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Mahābhārata’s recurring ethical tension: in war, outward “splendor” (śrī) can accompany violent success, yet it is framed within kṣatriya obligation and the larger moral economy of consequences. It invites reflection on how victory and radiance are narrated without erasing the gravity of destruction.
Sañjaya points out Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the Pāñcāla prince, standing prominently after having routed Duryodhana’s forces along with the Prabhadraka warriors. The line functions as a battlefield report emphasizing his position, success, and striking presence.