Shloka 11
Adhyāya 107 — बहुयुद्धप्रकरणम्
Multiple Defensive Engagements to Protect Bhīṣma
स एक: समरे तस्थौ किरन् बहुविधाञ्शरान् । भ्रातृभि: सहित: सर्व: शेषा हि प्रद्गुता नरा:,केवल दुर्योधन ही अपने समस्त भाइयोंके साथ नाना प्रकारके बाणोंकी वर्षा करता हुआ समरभूमिमें खड़ा रहा। शेष सब मनुष्य भाग गये
sa ekaḥ samare tasthau kiran bahuvidhān śarān | bhrātṛbhiḥ sahitaḥ sarvaḥ śeṣā hi pradgutā narāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: He alone stood firm on the battlefield, showering arrows of many kinds; accompanied by all his brothers, while all the remaining men had indeed fled.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral tension of warfare: steadfastness and bravery can appear admirable, yet they may serve an unrighteous cause. It invites reflection on how courage (śaurya) gains ethical value only when aligned with dharma.
In the midst of battle, Duryodhana—together with his brothers—continues fighting, releasing volleys of arrows, while the rest of the warriors retreat or scatter in fear.