Bhagavad Gita 1.6 — Duryodhana Completes the List of Pandava Warriors
युधामन्युश्च विक्रान्त उत्तमौजाश्च वीर्यवान् ।
सौभद्रो द्रौपदेयाश्च सर्व एव महारथाः ॥ १.६ ॥
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The powerful Yudhamanyu and the valiant Uttamauja, the son of Subhadra, and the sons of Draupadi: all of them are indeed great chariot warriors.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yudhāmanyuḥ | Yudhamanyu |
| cha | and |
| vikrāntaḥ | powerful, mighty |
| uttamaujāḥ | Uttamauja |
| vīryavān | valiant |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| saubhadraḥ | the son of Subhadra (Abhimanyu) |
| draupadeyāḥ | the sons of Draupadi |
| sarve | all |
| eva | indeed |
| mahārathāḥ | great chariot warriors |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yudhāmanyuḥ | Yudhamanyu | saubhadraḥ | the son of Subhadra (Abhimanyu) |
| cha | and | draupadeyāḥ | the sons of Draupadi |
| vikrāntaḥ | powerful, mighty | sarve | all |
| uttamaujāḥ | Uttamauja | eva | indeed |
| vīryavān | valiant | mahārathāḥ | great chariot warriors |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Duryodhana completes his description of the Pāṇḍava heroes. He names Yudhāmanyu, Uttamaujā, Subhadrā's son Abhimanyu and the sons of Draupadī, and he describes all of them as mahārathas, great chariot warriors. With this verse his careful accounting of the enemy comes to an end.
Essence
The final names in the enemy list are especially significant.
A. Yudhāmanyu and Uttamaujā
Yudhāmanyu is described as vikrānta, courageous and bold, while Uttamaujā is called vīryavān, full of valour. These two Pāñcāla princes were known to protect Arjuna's chariot wheels during the war, which shows how closely the Pāṇḍava heroes worked together.
B. Saubhadro draupadeyāś ca (the son of Subhadrā and the sons of Draupadī)
Saubhadra is Abhimanyu, the young son of Arjuna and Subhadrā, already admired for his courage. The Draupadeyas are the five sons of Draupadī, one from each Pāṇḍava. Their mention brings a poignant note: the Pāṇḍavas are bringing not only their strength but their next generation to the battlefield. Many of these young warriors will not survive the war, and that silent shadow is part of what the Gita's setting means.
C. Sarva eva mahārathāḥ (all of them great chariot warriors)
The phrase mahārathāḥ is a technical term for a warrior of the highest rank. By concluding that all of them are mahārathas, Duryodhana is telling Droṇa that the enemy is not only large but filled with first-class fighters. This closing remark is a kind of summary of his fear: there is no weak link in the opposing army.
Message for Everyday Life (Preparing the Next Generation)
This verse reminds us that every generation carries forward both the strength and the struggles of the one before it. Whatever we build in our families and institutions, the young will inherit and carry on. The practical lesson is to ask what values we are passing on, because it is not only our achievements but our attitudes, whether of dharma or of rivalry, that the next generation will take into its own battles.
The final names in the enemy list are especially significant.
A. Yudhāmanyu and Uttamaujā
Yudhāmanyu is described as vikrānta, courageous and bold, while Uttamaujā is called vīryavān, full of valour. These two Pāñcāla princes were known to protect Arjuna's chariot wheels during the war, which shows how closely the Pāṇḍava heroes worked together.
B. Saubhadro draupadeyāś ca (the son of Subhadrā and the sons of Draupadī)
Saubhadra is Abhimanyu, the young son of Arjuna and Subhadrā, already admired for his courage. The Draupadeyas are the five sons of Draupadī, one from each Pāṇḍava. Their mention brings a poignant note: the Pāṇḍavas are bringing not only their strength but their next generation to the battlefield. Many of these young warriors will not survive the war, and that silent shadow is part of what the Gita's setting means.
C. Sarva eva mahārathāḥ (all of them great chariot warriors)
The phrase mahārathāḥ is a technical term for a warrior of the highest rank. By concluding that all of them are mahārathas, Duryodhana is telling Droṇa that the enemy is not only large but filled with first-class fighters. This closing remark is a kind of summary of his fear: there is no weak link in the opposing army.
Message for Everyday Life (Preparing the Next Generation)
This verse reminds us that every generation carries forward both the strength and the struggles of the one before it. Whatever we build in our families and institutions, the young will inherit and carry on. The practical lesson is to ask what values we are passing on, because it is not only our achievements but our attitudes, whether of dharma or of rivalry, that the next generation will take into its own battles.
Next Topic
Duryodhana has finished describing the formidable Pāṇḍava side. In the next verse he turns to his own army, speaking to Droṇa as the best of the twice-born and promising to name the foremost leaders on his side for his information.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Never underestimate those still discovering their strength.
Bravery often appears where it is least expected.
Honest assessment is the start of every sound plan.
What we build is carried forward by those who come after us.
The young carry both promise and responsibility.
Collective strength is the sum of many individual commitments.
The more clearly we see, the more calmly we can prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are 'saubhadraḥ' (the son of Subhadra) and 'draupadeyāḥ' (sons of Draupadi)?
What does 'mahārathāḥ' (great chariot warriors) signify here?
Why does Duryodhana emphasise 'sarve eva' (all indeed)?
Who are Yudhamanyu and Uttamauja?
What can we learn from this verse today?
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