The Pāṇḍava response continues. In the previous shloka, Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna, and Bhīma blew their conches. Now Yudhiṣṭhira, Nakula, and Sahadeva are mentioned.

The verse first says rājā, “the king.” This refers to Yudhiṣṭhira. Though all five Pāṇḍavas are present, Yudhiṣṭhira is specially called king because he is the rightful ruler and the eldest Pāṇḍava.

He is also called Kuntīputraḥ, the son of Kuntī. This identifies him through his mother and places him in the Pāṇḍava family line.

Then comes the name Yudhiṣṭhiraḥ. This name is meaningful. Yudhi means “in battle,” and sthira means “steady” or “firm.” Yudhiṣṭhira is one who remains firm in battle. He does not run away from war. He does not turn back when duty has to be performed. This is not the restless aggression of Duryodhana; it is steadiness in one’s dharmic role.

Yudhiṣṭhira blows the conch Anantavijayam. The name is beautiful. Ananta means endless, and vijaya means victory. Anantavijaya means endless victory or unfailing success. The name suggests that this conch brings victory, not defeat.

Then the verse names Nakulaḥ and Sahadevaḥ, the other two Pāṇḍava brothers. They also blow their conches. Their conches are Sughoṣa and Maṇipuṣpaka. Sughoṣa means one with a good or beautiful sound. Maṇipuṣpaka is another beautiful conch-name, suggesting something precious and graceful, like jewels and flowers.

The verse continues the orderly Pāṇḍava response. Unlike the Kaurava sound described as tumulaḥ, confused and tumultuous, the Pāṇḍava sound is presented through distinct persons and distinct conches: Kṛṣṇa with Pāñcajanya, Arjuna with Devadatta, Bhīma with Pauṇḍra, Yudhiṣṭhira with Anantavijaya, Nakula with Sughoṣa, and Sahadeva with Maṇipuṣpaka. The sound-world of the Pāṇḍavas is not a confused mass. It is named, ordered, and purposeful.