Shloka 18
कुरुक्षेत्रे सेनानिवेशवृत्तान्तः — Dhṛtarāṣṭra Questions Saṃjaya on the Deployed Armies
रौक्मिणेयाहुकसुतैश्चवारुदेष्णपुरोगमै: । वृष्णिमुख्यैरधिगतैर्व्याप्रैरिव बलोत्कटै:
raukmiṇeyāhukasutaiś ca vāru-deṣṇapurogamaiḥ | vṛṣṇimukhyair adhigatair vyāprair iva balotkaṭaiḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśaṃpāyana: Kasama niya si Raukmiṇeya at ang mga anak ni Ahuka, na pinangungunahan nina Vāru at Deṣṇa—ang mga pangunahing Vṛṣṇi na nagtipon sa paligid niya, masigla at kakila-kilabot sa lakas, na wari’y makapangyarihang mandirigmang kumikilos na para sa gawain.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical-political ideal of preparedness and solidarity: capable leaders and allied clans must be organized, alert, and ready to act decisively when dharma and public order are at stake.
Vaiśampāyana describes a scene of mobilization: prominent Vṛṣṇi leaders—Pradyumna (Raukmiṇeya), the sons of Āhuka, and others led by Vāru and Deṣṇa—assemble energetically, forming a powerful entourage ready for action.