Shloka 30
युधिष्ठिरस्य कृष्णार्जुनादि-समाश्वासनम्
Yudhiṣṭhira’s reassurance and praise of Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna, Bhīma, and Sātyaki
द्रोणो5पि रथिनां श्रेष्ठ; पज्चालान् पाण्डवांस्तथा । अभ्यद्रवत संक्रुद्धो जवमास्थाय मध्यमम्,इधर रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ द्रोणाचार्य भी क्रोधमें भरकर मध्यम वेगका आश्रय ले पांचालों और पाण्डवोंपर टूट पड़े
Droṇo 'pi rathināṃ śreṣṭhaḥ pāñcālān pāṇḍavāṃs tathā | abhyadravat saṃkruddho javam āsthāya madhyamam ||
Sañjaya said: Droṇa too—foremost among chariot-warriors—rushed upon the Pāñcālas and the Pāṇḍavas. Inflamed with anger, he advanced at a measured, middle pace, pressing the attack with controlled force.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension of warfare: even a revered teacher like Droṇa, bound by martial duty and command, can be driven by anger, yet still acts with deliberate control (madhyama-java). It suggests that in dharmic conflict, inner states like krodha shape action, and restraint remains a meaningful virtue even amid violence.
Sañjaya reports that Droṇa, famed as the foremost chariot-warrior, becomes enraged and charges the Pāñcālas and the Pāṇḍavas, advancing with a medium, measured speed as he launches his assault.