Shloka 54
रथनेमिनिकृत्तैश्न गजैश्वैवावपोथितै: । पादाताक्षाप्यधावन्त साश्षराश्ष हययोधिन:,उनमेंसे कितने ही रथोंके पहियोंसे कट गये थे और कितनोंहीको हाथियोंने अपनी सूँड्रोंस पकड़कर धरतीपर दे मारा था एवं कितने ही पैदल सैनिक तथा अपने अश्वोंसहित घुड़सवार योद्धा वहाँसे भाग गये थे
sañjaya uvāca | rathanemi-nikṛttaiś ca gajaiś caivāvapothitaiḥ | pādātāś cāpy adhāvanta saśastrāś ca hayayodhinaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Many were cut down by the rims of chariot-wheels, and many were seized and hurled to the ground by elephants. Foot-soldiers too fled in panic, and horsemen—still armed and with their mounts—also ran from that place. The verse underscores how, when fear overwhelms discipline, the order of battle collapses and violence becomes indiscriminate, sweeping away even the prepared and armed.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral and practical breakdown that occurs when fear overtakes discipline in war: even armed warriors abandon their station, and violence becomes uncontrolled, harming many without discernment.
Sañjaya describes a fierce moment in the battle where some fighters are cut down by chariot wheels, others are grabbed and slammed down by elephants, and many infantry and cavalry—though still armed—flee the scene.