Chapter 1 – Arjuna’s Despondency
Verse 5
DhrshtketuH, chekitaanH, kaashirajH, ch, veeryavaan’
Purujit’, kuntibhojH, ch, shaibyaH, ch, narpungavH ||5||
As Sanjay describes the battlefield, he begins listing the great warriors standing on the side of the Pandavas in the field of Kurukshetra.
He mentions valiant heroes like Dhrishtaketu, Chekitana, and the mighty King of Kashi. Alongside them are renowned warriors such as Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Shaibya — who are referred to as “Narapungava”, meaning the best among men.
However, this shloka is not merely a list of names.
There is a deep psychological message hidden within it —
Duryodhana, though not unaware of his own army’s strength, is visibly shaken as he observes the valor and formation of the Pandava forces. By naming these warriors one after another in front of his teacher Dronacharya, he is trying to subtly express the magnitude of the threat they face.
This verse symbolizes Duryodhana’s inner imbalance and fear.
He repeatedly names these valiant fighters — as if trying to reassure himself, “We can still win,” but in truth, his confidence has already started to falter.
The shloka also reflects a deeper truth —
When a person walks the path of adharma (unrighteousness), even the presence of the righteous becomes intimidating.
In reality, fear arises not just from physical strength, but from the power of dharma — for the resolve of righteousness is mightier than any weapon.
