Shloka 5
Ghaṭotkaca Slays Alāyudha (Night Battle and Māyā Countermeasures) / घटोत्कचेन अलायुधवधः
द्रोणस्तु तद् वच: श्रुत्वा पुत्रस्य तव दुर्मना: । मुहूर्तमिव तद् ध्यात्वा भृशमार्तोडभ्यभाषत
droṇas tu tad vacaḥ śrutvā putrasya tava durmanāḥ | muhūrtam iva tad dhyātvā bhṛśam ārto 'bhyabhāṣata ||
Sañjaya said: “Hearing those words of your son, Droṇa became heavy-hearted. After reflecting on them for a brief moment, he—deeply distressed—spoke out in reply.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of speech and counsel in wartime: a leader’s words can burden even a seasoned teacher-warrior, and responsible action is preceded by reflection—yet grief can still compel a forceful response.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Droṇa hears the statement made by the king’s son, becomes mentally troubled, pauses briefly to consider it, and then replies while overwhelmed with distress.