Mahabharata 7.72.16 — Drona Parva, Adhyaya 72, Shloka 16
धृष्टद्युम्नस्य द्रोणरथारोহণं सात्यकेः प्रतिरक्षणं च | Dhrishtadyumna Boards Droṇa’s Chariot; Sātyaki’s Counter-Protection
न च मामद्य सौभद्र: प्रह्ष्टो ग्रातृभि: सह । रणादायान्तुमुचितं प्रत्युद्याति हसन्निव
na ca mām adya saubhadraḥ prahṛṣṭo bhrātṛbhiḥ saha | raṇād āyāntum ucitaṁ pratyudyāti hasann iva ||
قال سنجيا: «واليوم أيضًا، ابنُ سوبهادرا—الذي كان عادةً مبتهجًا ومعه إخوته—لا يخرج، كما يليق، لاستقبالي عند عودته من ساحة القتال، كأنه مقبلٌ مبتسمًا. فما السبب يا ترى؟»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ucita—what is ‘proper’ conduct—showing how dharma includes social and relational duties (such as greeting and respectful reception). In the war narrative, a break in customary, proper behavior is treated as morally and emotionally significant, often read as an ominous sign.
Sañjaya notes that Abhimanyu, who normally returns from battle cheerful and accompanied by his brothers and comes out to greet him, is not doing so today. The unusual absence of this customary welcome prompts concern and foreshadows misfortune in the unfolding battle events.
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