Shloka 2
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
तस्य सर्व यथावृत्तमाख्यातुमुपचक्रमे । घटोत्कचस्य विजयमात्मनश्ल पराजयम्
sañjaya uvāca | tasya sarvaṃ yathāvṛttam ākhyātum upacakrame | ghaṭotkacasya vijayam ātmanaś ca parājayam kathayāmāsa durdharṣo viniḥśvasya punaḥ punaḥ |
Sañjaya said: He then began to relate everything exactly as it had occurred. The hard-to-subdue Duryodhana, repeatedly heaving deep sighs, recounted Ghaṭotkaca’s victory and his own defeat—unable to endure the humiliation of being overcome in that great battle by a rākṣasa. Having approached Bhīṣma, the son of the Gaṅgā, and bowed to him with humility, he narrated the entire account in full.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how pride reacts to reversal: even a powerful leader becomes shaken by defeat and seeks guidance. Ethically, it points to the importance of truthful reporting (yathāvṛttam) and the need for humility and counsel when one’s plans fail.
Sañjaya reports that Duryodhana, distressed and repeatedly sighing, goes to Bhīṣma and narrates in detail how Ghaṭotkaca prevailed and how he himself suffered defeat in the battle.