Verse 18
drupado draupadeyāś ca
sarvaśaḥ pṛthivī-pate
saubhadraś ca mahā-bāhuḥ
śaṅkhān dadhmuḥ pṛthak pṛthak
Word-for-Word Meaning:
- drupadaḥ — Drupada (King of Panchala)
- draupadeyāḥ — the sons of Draupadi
- ca — and
- sarvaśaḥ — all (together)
- pṛthivī-pate — O King (referring to Dhritarashtra, the ruler of the earth)
- saubhadraḥ — the son of Subhadra (Abhimanyu)
- ca — and
- mahā-bāhuḥ — the mighty-armed
- śaṅkhān — conchshells
- dadhmuḥ — blew
- pṛthak pṛthak — individually, each one separately
“O King (Dhritarashtra), Drupada, the sons of Draupadi, and the mighty-armed son of Subhadra (Abhimanyu) — all blew their conches separately.”
Expanded Interpretation:
A Unified Yet Individual Call to Dharma:
This verse completes the roll-call of the Pandava army’s great warriors, highlighting that not only the well-known heroes, but also the younger generation and noble allies were spiritually and emotionally invested in this battle for righteousness.
Who Are the Main Figures?
- Drupada (King of Panchala):
- Father of Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna.
- Once a friend and later rival of Drona (who sides with the Kauravas).
- Symbolism: Pride, retribution, and royal support for dharma.
- He represents generational responsibility and the continuation of karmic consequences.
- Draupadeyāḥ (Sons of Draupadi):
- Also known as the Upa-Pandavas — sons of Draupadi and the five Pandavas:
- Prativindhya, Sutasoma, Shrutakarma, Shatanika, and Shrutasena
- Symbolism: The next generation of dharma warriors.
- Though young, they are courageous and fully committed to the righteous cause.
- Also known as the Upa-Pandavas — sons of Draupadi and the five Pandavas:
- Saubhadra (Abhimanyu):
- Son of Arjuna and Subhadra (Krishna’s sister).
- mahā-bāhuḥ — “mighty-armed,” denoting valor beyond his age.
- Known for his fearless entry into the Chakravyuha battle formation.
- Symbolism: Youthful valor, sacrifice, and spiritual legacy.
- Abhimanyu’s role foreshadows one of the most poignant sacrifices of the war.
Symbolism of Their Conch Blowing:
| Warrior | Symbolizes |
|---|---|
| Drupada | Karmic consequence, fatherly resolve, generational dharma |
| Draupadi’s Sons | Continuity of dharma, youthful courage |
| Abhimanyu | Bravery, spiritual inheritance, sacrifice |
Spiritual and Psychological Insight:
This verse reminds us that the call to dharma is not limited to the elders or the famous. Even the young and those born into sacred circumstances must rise when the time comes.
- Drupada’s presence reminds us of how long-standing relationships and karma shape our destiny.
- The Upa-Pandavas show that righteous upbringing bears fruit even in trying times.
- Abhimanyu embodies the pure spirit of youthful sacrifice — fighting not out of compulsion, but honor.
Philosophical Perspective:
Even when the battle seems generational, the responsibility must be shouldered by every generation. This verse signifies how truth, justice, and duty must be handed down and owned by each soul individually.
- Each warrior blew their own conch separately — symbolizing unique purpose, individual commitment, and personal voice in the larger cause.
Call of the Soul:
We all inherit dharma from those who came before — but how we express it is our individual responsibility. Just as each warrior in this verse blew a separate conch:
- What does your conch sound like?
- Do you walk in the legacy of your ancestors with your own strength, like Abhimanyu?
- Are you, like the sons of Draupadi, willing to stand for truth even before reaching full maturity?
Conclusion:
Verse 18 rounds out the spiritual preparation of the Pandava army. It is not just about military might — it’s a collective symphony of karma, dharma, lineage, and sacrifice. The sound of conches from fathers, sons, and youthful heroes tells us: righteousness must be upheld by all, regardless of age or experience.
Reflection Questions:
Are you waiting to be older, stronger, or more prepared before you respond to your life’s call to action?
Like Abhimanyu, would you enter the battlefield of life even if it meant sacrifice for a greater truth?
In what ways are you carrying forward the dharma of your parents, teachers, and culture?