Shloka 74
Śalya–Bhīma Gadāyuddham (मद्रराज-भीमसेन गदायुद्धम्)
भग्नमाज्ञाय निस्त्रिंशमवप्लुत्य पदानि षट् । अदृश्यत निमेषेण स्वरथं पुनरास्थित:,अपनी तलवार टूटी हुई जानकर जयद्रथ छ: पग उछल पड़ा और पलक मारते-मारते पुनः अपने रथपर बैठा हुआ दिखायी दिया
bhagnam ājñāya nistriṁśam avaplutya padāni ṣaṭ | adṛśyata nimeṣeṇa sva-rathaṁ punar āsthitaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Realizing that his sword had broken, Jayadratha sprang back six paces; and in the blink of an eye he was seen once again mounted upon his own chariot. The verse shows quick presence of mind in war—self-preservation and tactical withdrawal when a weapon fails—without any claim of moral victory, only the stark pragmatics of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the battlefield context, the verse underscores alertness and adaptability: when a key resource (a weapon) fails, one must immediately change position and regain a defensible stance. Ethically, it reflects the Mahābhārata’s realism—survival and strategy often govern actions amid dharma’s pressures in war.
Jayadratha notices his sword has broken, quickly leaps back six paces, and almost instantly is seen back on his own chariot, indicating a rapid retreat and repositioning during combat.