kāśhyaśhcha parameṣhvāsaḥ śhikhaṇḍī cha mahā-rathaḥ
dhṛiṣhṭadyumno virāṭaśhcha sātyakiśh chāparājitaḥ
kāśhyaḥ — King of Kashi;
cha — and;
parama-iṣhu-āsaḥ — the excellent archer;
śhikhaṇḍī — Shikhandi;
cha — also;
mahā-rathaḥ — warriors who could single handedly match the strength of ten thousand ordinary warriors;
dhṛiṣhṭadyumnaḥ — Dhrishtadyumna;
virāṭaḥ — Virat;
cha — and;
sātyakiḥ — Satyaki;
cha — and;
aparājitaḥ — invincible;
In this verse, we hear about some important fighters who are on the side of the Pandavas during a huge battle. Each of these fighters is very powerful and skilled, which shows that the Pandavas have a strong team ready to fight for them.
First, let’s talk about the king of Kasi. He is known for being an excellent archer, which means he is really good at using a bow and arrows. This tells us a lot about the strength of the Pandavas. They are not just fighting by themselves; they have highly capable allies who can help them in the battle. Think of him as a star player on a sports team who can make crucial plays when needed.
Next, we have Sikhandi. Sikhandi has a unique story; he was born as a woman but later changed to a man. Sikhandi’s role in this battle is crucial because it is said that he will be the one to challenge Bhishma, a legendary warrior who is fighting for the Kauravas. Bhishma is known for his strength and bravery, but Sikhandi is destined to be the person who brings him down. This shows us that even the mightiest fighters can be defeated, especially when faced with someone who is meant to take them on under specific circumstances. So, Sikhandi represents the idea that every strong warrior has their match.
Then there is Dhrishtadyumna, the leader of the Pandava army. As the commander, he is responsible for planning the battle strategies and leading the troops. His skill and experience are key to making sure the Pandavas fight effectively and achieve their goals. Having an organized and capable leader is like the coach of a team who guides the players toward victory.
Next, we have Virata and Satyaki. Both of them are described as strong fighters who add great value to the Pandava side. The presence of these warriors shows that the Pandava army is not only powerful but also determined to win. Each one of them represents a commitment to doing the right thing, known as dharma. The Pandavas believe strongly in their cause, which is to fight for justice and goodness. This motivation gives them additional strength and purpose, like how a team plays better when they believe in their mission.
Overall, this verse emphasizes how impressive the group of warriors is who stand with the Pandavas. It highlights that they are not only connected through their fighting abilities but also by their shared goal of restoring what is just and fair. It’s like saying that the Pandavas have a great team of talented players all committed to winning for a worthy cause. This unity and dedication make them a formidable force on the battlefield.