Shloka 286
Adhyāya 104 — Śikhaṇḍin-puraskāraḥ (Śikhaṇḍin as Vanguard) and Bhīṣma’s Counter-Advance
रथं तत्रैव संत्यज्य प्राद्रवन्महतो भयात् । अपनी माया नष्ट हो जानेपर सायकोंकी मार खाता हुआ राक्षस अलम्बुष अत्यन्त भयके कारण अपने रथको वहीं छोड़कर भाग गया
rathaṁ tatraiva saṁtyajya prādravan mahato bhayāt |
Sañjaya said: Struck by a great fear, he abandoned his chariot on the very spot and fled. When his deceptive power failed and he was met by a relentless storm of arrows, the rākṣasa Alambusha panicked, left his chariot behind on the battlefield, and made a dishonourable retreat amid the press of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
When reliance on illusion or trickery collapses, inner weakness is exposed; fear can drive one to abandon duty and honour. The verse highlights the ethical contrast between steadfastness under pressure and a panic-driven retreat.
In the midst of battle, the combatant—overwhelmed by intense fear—leaves his chariot where it stands and runs away, indicating a sudden rout under attack and loss of composure.