Shloka 23
Adhyāya 111 (Book 6): Daśama-dina-saṃgrāma—Bhīṣma’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira and the Śikhaṇḍin-Led Advance
त्रातारं नाध्यगच्छन्त तावका भरतर्षभ । वध्यमाना: शितैर्बाणै: पाण्डवै: सहसूंजयै:,भरतश्रेष्ठ! पाण्डवों और सूंजयोंके तीखे बाणोंसे घायल होनेवाले आपके सैनिकोंको कोई रक्षक नहीं मिलता था
sa f1jaya uv01ca |
tr01t01ra n01dhyagacchanta t01vak01 bharatar abha |
vadhyam01n01 5bitair b01ai p01avai sahas6b f1jayai ||
Sañjaya said: O bull among the Bharatas, your warriors could find no protector, as they were being cut down by the sharp arrows of the Pāṇḍavas together with the Sūñjayas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical weight of leadership in war: when protection, strategy, and morale fail, even a mighty host becomes vulnerable. It also hints at the limits of mere numbers and pride when opposed by disciplined force and righteous resolve.
Sanjaya reports to Dhtar01ra that the Kaurava soldiers, struck down by the Pandavas and their S6b f1jaya allies, could not find any rescuer or effective shield in the midst of the arrow-storm.