Shloka 14
युधिष्ठिरस्य कृष्णार्जुनादि-समाश्वासनम्
Yudhiṣṭhira’s reassurance and praise of Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna, Bhīma, and Sātyaki
पलायने तव मति: संग्रामाद्धि प्रवर्तते | यदा गाण्डीवधन्वानं भीमसेनं च कौरव
palāyane tava matiḥ saṅgrāmāddhi pravartate | yadā gāṇḍīvadhanvānaṃ bhīmasenaṃ ca kaurava
Sañjaya said: “O Kaurava, your mind is turning toward flight—indeed, away from the battle—when you behold the wielder of the Gāṇḍīva and Bhīmasena.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how fear can redirect one’s resolve from duty to escape, especially when confronted by formidable opponents. It implicitly critiques wavering commitment in a chosen conflict and points to the ethical tension between self-preservation and kṣatriya responsibility in war.
Sañjaya describes to the Kaurava leader that his inclination is shifting toward retreat from the battlefield upon seeing Arjuna, famed for the Gāṇḍīva bow, and Bhīmasena. The line underscores the psychological impact of the Pāṇḍava champions on the Kaurava side.