Shloka 43
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ९६: सौभद्रस्य आक्रमणम्, अलम्बुसस्य प्रतिविधानम्
Abhimanyu’s assault; Alambusa’s counter-engagement
तस्मिंस्तथा वर्तमाने संग्रामे लोमहर्षणे । धार्तराष्ट्र महत् सैन्यं प्रायशो विमुखीकृतम्
tasmiṁs tathā vartamāne saṅgrāme lomaharṣaṇe | dhārtarāṣṭra mahat sainyaṁ prāyaśo vimukhīkṛtam ||
قال سنجيا: وبينما كانت تلك المعركة—المروِّعة التي تُقشَعِرُّ لها الأبدان—تجري على هذا النحو، كان جيشُ الدهارتراشترَة العظيم قد دُفِعَ في معظمه إلى التراجع، وأعرض عن القتال.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of power in war: numerical strength alone does not ensure victory. When fear and loss of confidence spread, even a great army can be forced into retreat—suggesting that inner steadiness and righteous resolve are decisive factors alongside strategy.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that, as the terrifying battle continues, the Kaurava (Dhārtarāṣṭra) host is largely being turned back—indicating a setback on their side and a shift in battlefield momentum.