Shloka 31
Bhīṣma’s Fall, the Arrow-bed (śara-talpa), and the Establishment of Guard
भीमसेनश्व बलवान माद्रीपुत्रौ च पाण्डवौ । वासुदेवश्व वा्ष्णेयो यस्य नाथो व्यवस्थित:
bhīmasenaś ca balavān mādrīputrau ca pāṇḍavau | vāsudevaś ca vārṣṇeyo yasya nātho vyavasthitaḥ ||
三阇耶说道：“他有勇力无双的毗摩塞那，又有摩德丽所生的两位般度子；而瓦苏提婆——弗尔什尼族的后裔——坚定地立为他的护持者。唯有在坚战（由提施提罗）身上，方能清楚见到敬奉婆罗门、制御诸根、慷慨布施、苦行与高贵行持；凭此德业之果，他得有阿周那、强悍的毗摩，以及那俱罗与沙诃提婆为弟兄，并且世尊瓦苏提婆常在其侧，作守护与助力。”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse links ethical excellence—reverence for the worthy (especially brāhmaṇas), self-control, generosity, austerity, and good conduct—with the ‘fruit’ of strong support: noble allies and, above all, the steadfast protection of Vāsudeva. It presents virtue as a cause of both human solidarity and divine guardianship.
Sañjaya is describing Yudhiṣṭhira’s side by highlighting the strength and support surrounding him: powerful brothers (Bhīma and the twins Nakula–Sahadeva) and Kṛṣṇa as an unwavering protector. The statement functions as praise and as an assessment of why the Pāṇḍavas are formidable in the war setting.