काश्यश्च परमेष्वासः शिखण्डी च महारथः। धृष्टद्युम्नो विराटश्च सात्यकिश्चापराजितः।।1.17।।
And the king of Kasi, a great archer, and Shikhandi, a mighty warrior; Dhrishtadyumna and the king of Virata, and the unconquered Satyaki.
Translation
The King of Kasi, a great archer, Shikhandi, a mighty warrior; Dhrishtadyumna, the king of Virata, and the invincible Satyaki.
Word Meanings
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 — King of Virata cha — and sātyakiḥ — Satyaki cha — and aparājitaḥ — unconquered, invincible
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Sanjay continues describing the formidable warriors of the Pandava army. These warriors were known for their immense strength, skill, and valor in battle. King of Kasi: The King of Kasi was one of the mighty warriors aligned with the Pandavas. He was an excellent archer and was considered a great asset to the Pandava forces. His precision and skill made him a formidable presence on the battlefield. Shikhandi: Shikhandi, also known as Amba, was a pivotal figure in the Mahabharata. Born as a woman, Shikhandi later became a warrior due to a curse, and was destined to be the cause of Bhishma’s downfall. In the battle, Shikhandi played a crucial role in fulfilling that destiny by standing before Bhishma, who had vowed not to fight a woman. Shikhandi was a Mahārathi, a warrior capable of holding his own against ten thousand ordinary soldiers. Dhrishtadyumna: Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Drupada, was a powerful Mahārathi and the commander-in-chief of the Pandava army. He had a personal vendetta against Dronacharya, his teacher, for his father's defeat at Dronacharya's hands. He was destined to kill Dronacharya in the battle, fulfilling the prophecy. King of Virata: The King of Virata was an ally of the Pandavas. During their exile, the Pandavas stayed in his kingdom. The King of Virata, though less prominent than some other warriors, was still a capable fighter and lent his army to the Pandavas during the war. Satyaki: Satyaki, also known as Yuyudhana, was one of the most prominent warriors of the Pandavas. He was invincible in battle, having never been defeated. He was a Mahārathi, known for his loyalty to Arjuna and his skill with a bow. Satyaki was a key player in the battle and one of the most trusted warriors of the Pandava forces. Symbolism of Invincibility: In this verse, the term “Aparājitaḥ” (unconquered) is used for Satyaki, emphasizing his unbeaten record in battle. This term highlights the confidence and strength of the Pandava army, as each of these warriors is a mighty force in his own right.
