Shloka 24
Ghaṭotkaca Slays Alāyudha (Night Battle and Māyā Countermeasures) / घटोत्कचेन अलायुधवधः
मय्येव हि विशेषेण तथा दुर्योधन त्वयि । आशंसत परित्राणमर्जुनातू स महीपति:
mayyeva hi viśeṣeṇa tathā duryodhana tvayi | āśaṃsata paritrāṇam arjunātū sa mahīpatiḥ ||
Sañjaya sprach: „Jener König (Duryodhana) erhoffte Rettung vor allem von mir — und ebenso von dir, o Duryodhana — in der Hoffnung, Arjuna zu entkommen.“
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the midst of war, a ruler’s inner dependence becomes visible: Duryodhana, threatened by Arjuna, seeks safety by placing special trust in particular allies. The verse highlights how fear and perceived competence shape political reliance, and how leadership often turns to chosen protectors when dharma and power are under strain.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Duryodhana, facing the danger posed by Arjuna, was expecting rescue and protection specifically from Sañjaya’s side (i.e., from certain supporters) and also from the person addressed as “you, O Duryodhana,” emphasizing Duryodhana’s focused hope for deliverance from Arjuna’s onslaught.