Shloka 4
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ११०: पार्थभीमयोः प्रहारः तथा भीष्माभिमुखं संग्रामविस्तारः
Arjuna and Bhima’s pressure; escalation toward Bhishma
सोमकांश्व जितान् दृष्टवा निरुत्साहान् महारथान् | (निशामुखं च सम्प्रेक्ष्य घोररूपं भयानकम् ।) चिन्तयित्वा ततो राजा अवहारमरोचयत्
saumakāṁś ca jitān dṛṣṭvā nirutsāhān mahārathān | (niśāmukhaṁ ca samprekṣya ghorarūpaṁ bhayānakam |) cintayitvā tato rājā avahāram arocayat, bharatanandana |
Sañjaya said: Seeing the Somaka warriors—those great chariot-fighters—defeated and drained of all fighting spirit, and observing the onset of night, dreadful in form and fearsome, the king (Yudhiṣṭhira), after reflecting on these circumstances, chose to withdraw the army from battle, O joy of the Bharatas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prudent kingship: when warriors are defeated in spirit and conditions become dangerous (nightfall), a ruler should reflect and choose a course that prevents futile slaughter. Dharma in war includes restraint and responsibility, not only valor.
Sañjaya reports that the Somaka great warriors have been beaten and have lost their will to fight; night is approaching with a fearful aspect. Considering these factors, the king (Yudhiṣṭhira) decides to withdraw the army from the battlefield.