Shloka 4
Śalya Appointed as Karṇa’s Sārathi; Discourse on Praise, Blame, and Beneficial Counsel (कर्णस्य शल्यसारथ्यं तथा स्तवनिन्दाविचारः)
तत्रावोचन् विमनसो रथिन: सादिनस्तथा । द्रोणस्य निधनानूनं संक्रुद्धों द्विषदां वर:
tatrāvocan vimanaso rathinaḥ sādinastathā | droṇasya nidhanānūnaṃ saṃkruddho dviṣadāṃ varaḥ ||
Sañjaya sprach: Dort begannen die Wagenkämpfer und Reiter, niedergeschlagenen Herzens, zu sagen: „Gewiss, weil Droṇa gefallen ist, ist der Vornehmste unter unseren Feinden in grimmigen Zorn entbrannt.“
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the death of a revered figure in war triggers collective dejection and fear, and how anger (krodha) can become the driving force that intensifies conflict—an ethical warning about the destructive momentum of retaliation.
After Droṇa’s fall, the warriors present—chariot-fighters and cavalry—speak in despair, convinced that the foremost enemy has become violently enraged because of Droṇa’s death, foreshadowing harsh counteraction on the battlefield.