Verse 5
dhṛṣṭaketuś cekitānaḥ kāśirājaś ca vīryavān
purujit kuntibhojaś ca śaibyaś ca nara-puṅgavaḥ
Word-for-Word Meaning:
- dhṛṣṭaketuḥ — Dhrishtaketu (King of the Chedi kingdom)
- cekitānaḥ — Cekitana (a Yadava warrior)
- kāśirājaḥ — King of Kashi (Banaras)
- vīryavān — powerful, valiant
- purujit — Puruji (brother of Kunti)
- kuntibhojaḥ — Kuntibhoja (foster father of Kunti)
- śaibyaḥ — Shaibya (King of Shibi or Saibya kingdom)
- nara-puṅgavaḥ — best among men, illustrious warrior
“There are also the mighty Dhrishtaketu, Chekitana, and the valiant king of Kashi; Purujit and Kuntibhoja, and Shaibya, the best of men.”
Expanded Interpretation:
1. Listing the Powerhouses:
In this verse, Duryodhana continues addressing Dronacharya and names several distinguished warriors from the Pandava side. He highlights not just their presence but their exceptional valor and status.
2. Dhrishtaketu — Symbol of Righteous Vengeance:
Dhrishtaketu, the prince of the Chedi kingdom, was known for his courage and loyalty to the Pandavas, especially after his father was killed by Krishna. His name (“Dhrishta” meaning bold and “Ketu” meaning banner) symbolizes bravery and leadership in dharma.
3. Chekitana — Wisdom and Strategy:
Chekitana belonged to the Yadava clan and was a seasoned, senior warrior. Though older, his experience and strategic acumen made him an invaluable asset in the war, highlighting that battle is not just physical but also intellectual.
4. King of Kashi — Valor and Dignity:
Referred to as “Vīryavān” — full of power — the king of Kashi was among the most valiant allies. Kashi was a seat of learning and culture, and its king stood not only for strength but also for refined honor and righteousness.
5. Purujit and Kuntibhoja — Duty Rooted in Relationships:
Both are relatives of Kunti — Purujit, her brother, and Kuntibhoja, her foster father. Their presence on the battlefield is a testament to loyalty, family bonds, and the call of dharma over political convenience.
6. Shaibya — The Noble Hero:
Shaibya is addressed as “Nara-puṅgava”, the best among men. This title points not only to his battle skills but also to his moral stature. He is the image of a noble warrior who fights for righteousness.
Philosophical Perspective:
Unity of Strength and Values:
These warriors represent more than military power — they embody different dimensions of dharma: loyalty, strategy, heritage, moral integrity, and the strength of right action.
Duryodhana’s Strategic List:
Why is Duryodhana listing these names aloud to Dronacharya?
Not merely for information — it’s a psychological tactic. By enumerating strong warriors of the Pandava side, Duryodhana is:
- Acknowledging the strength of his opponents (perhaps reluctantly)
- Attempting to provoke or pressure Drona into deeper emotional involvement in the war
- Using flattery and fear to control the mental battlefield
Spiritual Symbolism:
Each of these warriors represents an inner quality:
- Dhrishtaketu = Courage aligned with justice
- Chekitana = Intelligence and experience
- Kashiraja = Pride with purpose
- Purujit & Kuntibhoja = Family duty and dharma
- Shaibya = Moral nobility and ethical conviction
These are the “soldiers” we also need in our inner battles — when we fight between right and wrong, truth and illusion, duty and distraction.
Conclusion:
Verse 5 is not just a list of names — it is a roll call of virtues. It reminds us that in the battle for righteousness (Dharma Yuddha), success requires not only physical allies but the strength of character, wisdom, relationships, and inner resolve.
Reflection Questions for You:
When life brings challenges, which of these inner warriors do you call upon?
Do you recognize the value of strategy, duty, and moral integrity, or only look at outer strength?
Are your “allies” in life — thoughts, actions, companions — aligned with dharma?