Shloka 286
Adhyāya 104 — Śikhaṇḍin-puraskāraḥ (Śikhaṇḍin as Vanguard) and Bhīṣma’s Counter-Advance
रथं तत्रैव संत्यज्य प्राद्रवन्महतो भयात् । अपनी माया नष्ट हो जानेपर सायकोंकी मार खाता हुआ राक्षस अलम्बुष अत्यन्त भयके कारण अपने रथको वहीं छोड़कर भाग गया
rathaṁ tatraiva saṁtyajya prādravan mahato bhayāt |
قال سنجيا: وقد استولى عليه خوف عظيم، ترك مركبته الحربية في الموضع نفسه وفرّ هاربًا. فلما بَطَلَتْ مَايَاهُ وتلقّى وابل السهام، فرّ الرّاكشسا ألامبوشا من شدة الفزع، تاركًا عجلته في ساحة القتال—تراجعًا مُخزيًا في قلب المعمعة.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
When reliance on illusion or trickery collapses, inner weakness is exposed; fear can drive one to abandon duty and honour. The verse highlights the ethical contrast between steadfastness under pressure and a panic-driven retreat.
In the midst of battle, the combatant—overwhelmed by intense fear—leaves his chariot where it stands and runs away, indicating a sudden rout under attack and loss of composure.