द्रुपदो द्रौपदेयाश्च सर्वशः पृथिवीपते। सौभद्रश्च महाबाहुः शङ्खान्दध्मुः पृथक्पृथक्।।1.18।।
The Panchala king, a mighty archer; and Draupadi’s sons, five in number; and the mighty-armed son of Subhadra blew their conch shells separately.
Translation
The King Drupad, the mighty archer, along with his five sons (the sons of Draupadi) and the mighty-armed Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra, blew their conch shells separately.
Word Meanings
drupadaḥ — Drupad (the King of Panchala) draupadeyāḥ — The five sons of Draupadi cha — and sarvaśhaḥ — all pṛithivī-pate — O King of the Earth (Dhritarashtra) saubhadraḥ — Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra cha — also mahā-bāhuḥ — the mighty-armed śhaṅkhān — conch shells dadhmuḥ — blew pṛithak pṛithak — separately, individually
Understanding the Verse
This verse introduces some of the formidable warriors on the Pandava side, who blew their conch shells in unison to signal the start of the war. Drupad: King Drupad of Panchala was a fierce warrior and the father of Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi. He had a long-standing enmity with Drona (his former friend turned adversary), and his desire for revenge played a significant role in the Pandava's quest for justice. He was skilled in archery and played a crucial role in the Pandava army's strategy during the battle. The Five Sons of Draupadi: The five sons of Draupadi, also known as the Upapandavas, were the sons of Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva by Draupadi. They were trained in the martial arts and fought alongside their fathers. Their valiant presence on the battlefield was a symbol of Draupadi's unwavering support for the Pandava cause. Abhimanyu: Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra (Krishna's sister) and Arjuna, was a young but incredibly skilled warrior. Abhimanyu is best known for his bravery and his tragic end in the war. He had learned the art of warfare while still in his mother's womb, and his prowess as an archer and fighter made him one of the most powerful warriors in the battle. Blowing of Conch Shells: The act of blowing conch shells marked the initiation of battle and was a traditional way to rally warriors and motivate them for war. The Pandavas had their own conchs, each symbolizing their individual strength and valor. By blowing their conch shells separately, they signaled their readiness for battle, and their unified sound filled the air with confidence.
