Verse 17
kāśyaś ca parameṣvāsaḥ
śikhaṇḍī ca mahā-rathaḥ
dhṛṣṭadyumno virāṭaś ca
sātyakiś cāparājitaḥ
Word-for-Word Meaning:
- kāśyaḥ — the King of Kashi (renowned for valor)
- ca — and
- parama-iṣvāsaḥ — the supreme archer
- śikhaṇḍī — Shikhandi
- ca — and
- mahā-rathaḥ — a great chariot-warrior (capable of fighting 60,000 warriors at once)
- dhṛṣṭadyumnaḥ — Dhrishtadyumna
- virāṭaḥ — Virata (the king of Matsya)
- ca — and
- sātyakiḥ — Satyaki
- ca — and
- aparājitaḥ — the unconquered one
“The mighty archer, King of Kashi; the great chariot-warrior Shikhandi; Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, and the unconquerable Satyaki—all blew their conches.”
Expanded Interpretation:
The Gathering of Warriors of Virtue and Valiance:
This verse highlights the heroic allies of the Pandavas, who were not only powerful warriors but also symbolic embodiments of dharma, loyalty, and honor.
Who Are the Main Figures?
- Kashi Raja (King of Kashi):
- Known for extraordinary archery skills and bravery.
- Symbolism: Represents purity, valor, and spiritual heritage. Kashi (Varanasi) is considered one of the holiest cities in India.
- Title – parameṣvāsaḥ: “Supreme wielder of the bow” — signifies his unmatched archery prowess and dedication to righteous war.
- Shikhandi (Mahāratha):
- Name Meaning: Born as a woman (Amba) and later reborn as a warrior to fulfill a vow.
- Mahāratha: A warrior capable of taking on multiple opponents single-handedly.
- Symbolism: Stands for karmic justice, transformation, and courage beyond gender boundaries.
- He plays a key role in bringing down Bhishma, showing how destiny and dharma intertwine.
- Dhrishtadyumna:
- The commander-in-chief of the Pandava army.
- Born from a fire sacrifice to destroy Drona, the guru of both sides.
- Symbolism: Represents divine mission and sacred vengeance.
- Skilled, fearless, and committed to restoring righteousness.
- Virata:
- The King of Matsya, who sheltered the Pandavas during their exile.
- Symbolism: Loyalty and dharma-driven leadership.
- Fought alongside them as a sign of true alliance.
- Satyaki (Aparājita):
- Disciple of Arjuna and a Yadava warrior from Krishna’s clan.
- Name Meaning: “Truthful” — one who upholds satya (truth).
- Aparājita: “Unconquered one” — never defeated in battle.
- Symbolism: Loyalty, truth, and warrior-ethics. Fought on the side of dharma despite being from Krishna’s clan, which was otherwise neutral.
Symbolism of Their Presence:
| Warrior | Symbolizes |
|---|---|
| Kashi Raja | Sacred valor, noble cause |
| Shikhandi | Destiny, transformation, karmic justice |
| Dhrishtadyumna | Divine mission, sacred leadership |
| Virata | Protection, hospitality, righteous alliance |
| Satyaki | Loyalty, truthfulness, invincible determination |
Spiritual and Psychological Insight:
This verse reminds us that not all warriors are born out of personal ambition — some fight out of commitment to truth, justice, or dharmic alignment. These warriors represent the varied virtues required in life’s great struggles:
- Precision and clarity (Kashi Raja)
- Redemptive purpose (Shikhandi)
- Leadership with a divine cause (Dhrishtadyumna)
- Supportive alliances (Virata)
- Loyalty to truth above all (Satyaki)
Philosophical Perspective:
In the battlefield of life, divine support doesn’t just come from within (like Krishna) — it also arrives in the form of allies, mentors, and karmic agents who guide, fight, and stand with us.
- Shikhandi and Dhrishtadyumna were born with a mission.
- Virata and Satyaki chose righteousness over neutrality or fear.
- Kashi Raja represents purity in purpose — fighting because it’s the right thing, not for power.
Call of the Soul:
These names are not mere historical or mythological records — they are archetypes within us:
- Is there a part of you like Shikhandi, seeking justice and redemption?
- Can you lead like Dhrishtadyumna, born of fire and focused on higher goals?
- Are your alliances, like Virata’s, grounded in dharma and selflessness?
Conclusion:
Verse 17 expands the picture of the Pandava army — not just in terms of might, but moral depth. Each warrior is a pillar of a broader divine structure where strength, truth, loyalty, and destiny converge to uphold dharma. Their presence shows that a righteous cause gathers support from every corner — kings, outcasts, past karma, and pure-hearted warriors alike.
Reflection Questions:
Who in your life represents your Satyaki — your unwavering ally?
What is your Shikhandi story — a wound you’ve transformed into purpose?
Are you aligning your battles with truth like the Kashi Raja?