Duryodhana’s psychological assault on Dronacharya continues as he delves deeper into the Pandava army’s roster. The fifth verse, known as the Dhrishtaketu Chekitanah verse, is a relentless parade of powerful names, each one chosen to highlight the sheer depth and personal nature of the alliances arrayed against them. The Dhrishtaketu Chekitanah verse is designed to show that the Pandavas’ support is both wide and deeply loyal.
Sanskrit Verse
धृष्टकेतुश्चेकितानः काशिराजश्च वीर्यवान् ।
पुरुजित्कुन्तिभोजश्च शैब्यश्च नरपुङ्गवः ॥ ५ ॥Transliteration
dhṛṣṭaketuścekitānaḥ kāśirājaśca vīryavān |
purujitkuntibhojaśca śaibyaśca narapuṅgavaḥ || 5 ||Word for Word Translation
dhṛṣṭaketuḥ – Dhrishtaketu; cekitānaḥ – Chekitana; kāśirājaḥ – the King of Kashi; ca – also; vīryavān – valiant; purujit – Purujit; kuntibhojaḥ – Kuntibhoja; ca – and; śaibyaḥ – Shaibya; ca – and; narapuṅgavaḥ – hero in human society.
English Translation
There are also great, heroic, powerful fighters like Dhrishtaketu, Chekitana, the valiant King of Kashi, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Shaibya.
Explanation
Each Bhagavad Gita verse whispers ancient truths, let’s listen closely with Vedic Stories…
The Dhrishtaketu Chekitanah verse is more than just a list; it’s a map of the Pandavas’ powerful relationships. Duryodhana is systematically breaking down the sources of their strength for Drona.
- Dhrishtaketu and Chekitana: These were renowned and powerful kings from different kingdoms (Chedi and Kekeya, respectively), who chose to align with the Pandavas, demonstrating their broad political support.
- The King of Kashi: The ruler of Kashi (Varanasi), one of the most ancient and respected kingdoms. His presence adds a layer of legitimacy and prestige to the Pandava cause.
- Purujit and Kuntibhoja: This is a deeply personal blow. Kuntibhoja was the king who adopted the Pandavas’ mother, Kunti, and Purujit was her brother. These are not just allies; they are the Pandavas’ own uncles, fighting for their nephews out of familial duty and love.
- Shaibya: A powerful king and the father-in-law of Yudhishthira. Duryodhana himself calls him “narapuṅgavaḥ,” a hero among men, again using praise of the enemy to heighten the sense of threat.
The message of the Dhrishtaketu Chekitanah verse is clear: the Pandavas are not isolated. They are supported by a formidable network of kings bound to them by politics, respect, and, most powerfully, by blood.
Conclusion
The Dhrishtaketu Chekitanah verse teaches us that the true strength of any cause can often be measured by the quality and loyalty of its supporters. Duryodhana’s fear is palpable because he sees that the Pandavas are surrounded by people who are not just fighting for a wage, but for deep, personal convictions and family bonds. This kind of loyalty is something his own side, built on greed and coercion, cannot truly match.
This verse is a reminder to look at the foundations of our own endeavors. Are they built on transactional relationships, or on genuine, shared values and mutual respect? The Dhrishtaketu Chekitanah verse shows that an army united by love and family is far more formidable than an army united only by a king’s ambition.
Read Next: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 – Verse 6 – Yudhamanyushcha
