Shloka 163
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 155 — Ghaṭotkaca-nidhana-śoka and Karṇa-śakti-vyaya
Kṛṣṇa’s strategic reassurance
पर्यधावन्त पञ्चाला वध्यमाना महात्मना | महामनस्वी दुर्योधनकी मार खाकर पांचाल सैनिक इधर-उधर भागने लगे। अब वे पलायन करनेमें उत्साह दिखा रहे थे। उनमें शत्रुओंको जीतनेका उत्साह नहीं रह गया था
sañjaya uvāca | paryadhāvanta pañcālā vadhyamānā mahātmanā |
Sañjaya said: The Pāñcāla warriors, being cut down by that great-souled hero, ran about in all directions. Struck by Duryodhana’s force and resolve, their spirit turned toward flight rather than victory.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of morale in war: when overwhelmed by a powerful opponent, even seasoned fighters may abandon the aim of victory and turn to self-preservation. It implicitly contrasts steadfast kṣatriya resolve with the ethical and psychological collapse that mass slaughter can trigger.
Sañjaya reports that the Pāñcāla troops are being heavily slain by a formidable warrior and therefore scatter and flee. The accompanying sense is that Duryodhana’s onslaught has broken their will to fight, replacing the drive to conquer enemies with eagerness to escape.