Shloka 71
भीष्मशिबिरगमनम् — Duryodhana’s Visit to Bhīṣma’s Camp and the Command Appeal
संग्रामशिरसो मध्ये सर्वेषां तत्र पश्यताम् । तां दृष्टवा तादृशीं मायां राक्षसस्य दुरात्मन:
saṅgrāmaśiraso madhye sarveṣāṁ tatra paśyatām | tāṁ dṛṣṭvā tādṛśīṁ māyāṁ rākṣasasya durātmanāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: In the very midst of the battle’s forefront, while all those present looked on, seeing that kind of illusory display wrought by the wicked-souled Rākṣasa, the warriors were confronted with a deception meant to confound judgment and unsettle courage.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that in conflict, adharma often manifests as deception (māyā) intended to disturb discernment and courage. Ethical strength is tested not only by weapons but by the ability to see through fear-inducing illusions and remain steady in judgment.
Sañjaya describes a moment in the thick of battle when everyone is watching and a wicked Rākṣasa produces a striking illusion. The scene emphasizes the dramatic, destabilizing effect of supernatural trickery on the battlefield.