Shloka 15
Aśvatthāmā’s Lamentation, Vow of Retaliation, and the Manifestation of the Nārāyaṇāstra (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय १६६)
यत् प्राविशन्महेष्वास: पज्चालानपराजित: । नृत्यन्निव नरव्याप्रो रथमार्गेषु वीर्यवान्,महाधनुर्धर, पराक्रमी एवं किसीसे पराजित न होनेवाले पुरुषसिंह द्रोणाचार्यने रथके मार्गोंपर नृत्य-सा करते हुए वहाँ पांचालोंकी सेनामें प्रवेश किया था
yat prāviśan maheṣvāsaḥ pāñcālān aparājitaḥ | nṛtyann iva naravyāghro rathamārgeṣu vīryavān ||
Sañjaya sprach: Droṇa, der unbesiegte, mächtige Bogenschütze—ein Tiger unter den Menschen—drang in das Heer der Pañcālas ein, glitt durch die Wagenbahnen, als tanzte er, und zeigte furchtlose Kraft in den geordneten Pfaden des Krieges.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the awe-inspiring momentum of a master warrior acting with unwavering resolve: skill and courage can make even perilous action appear effortless. Ethically, it also reminds the reader that brilliance in war is morally weighty—power is being exercised within the harsh framework of battlefield duty.
Sañjaya describes Droṇa—unconquered and supremely skilled—entering the Pañcāla forces. He advances through the chariot routes with such confidence and control that his movement is likened to dancing, emphasizing dominance and battlefield mastery.