Shloka 13
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
(न तु कार्यस्त्वया राजन् हैडिम्बेन दुरात्मना ।।
sañjaya uvāca | na tu kāryas tvayā rājan haiḍimben durātmanā || ahaṃ droṇaḥ kṛpaḥ drauṇiḥ kṛtavarmā ca sātvatāḥ | śalyaś ca saumadattiś ca vikarṇaś ca mahārathaḥ | (anye ca tava bhrātaraḥ) kathayiṣyāmaḥ durdharṣo viniḥśvasya punaḥ punaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “O King, you should not engage in combat with the wicked son of Hidimbā (Ghaṭotkaca). I—Droṇa, Kṛpa, Droṇa’s son Aśvatthāmā, Kṛtavarmā of the Sātvatas, Śalya, Saumadatti (Bhūriśravas), the great chariot-warrior Vikarṇa, and your other brothers—will fight that mighty rākṣasa on your behalf.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights prudent leadership in war: recognizing a dangerous opponent, restraining ego-driven rashness, and relying on counsel and appropriate delegation. Duryodhana’s humility before Bhīṣma contrasts with his earlier pride, showing that dharma in kingship includes listening to elders and choosing strategy over impulsive valor.
After being defeated by Ghaṭotkaca, Duryodhana cannot endure the humiliation. He approaches Bhīṣma, bows respectfully, and reports the events while repeatedly sighing. The counsel conveyed is that the king should not personally fight Ghaṭotkaca; instead, senior Kaurava champions—Droṇa, Kṛpa, Aśvatthāmā, Kṛtavarmā, Śalya, Bhūriśravas, Vikarṇa, and others—will take up that battle.