Shloka 188
वासवी-शक्तेः प्रयोगः, घटोत्कच-वधोत्तर-शोकः, व्यासोपदेशश्च
The Vāsavī Spear’s Use, Post-Ghaṭotkaca Grief, and Vyāsa’s Counsel
पराजित्य रणे वीरो द्रोणपुत्रो ननाद ह । पूजित: सर्वभूतेषु तव पुत्रैज्ञष भारत,नरेश्वर! फिर तो युधिष्ठिरकी सेनाके सभी नरेश युद्धसे विमुख हो गये। उस सेनाको परास्त करके वीर द्रोणपुत्र रणभूमिमें गर्जना करने लगा। भारत! उस समय सम्पूर्ण प्राणियोंमें अश्वत्थामाका बड़ा समादर हुआ। आपके पुत्रोंने भी उसका बड़ा सम्मान किया
parājitya raṇe vīro droṇaputro nanāda ha | pūjitaḥ sarvabhūteṣu tava putraiś ca bhārata nareśvara ||
Sañjaya said: Having defeated the opposing force in battle, the valiant son of Droṇa (Aśvatthāmā) roared aloud on the battlefield. O Bhārata, O lord of men, he was then honored among all beings, and your sons too paid him great respect. The scene underscores how, in the heat of war, victory and martial prowess quickly draw public acclaim—even when the moral weight of the conflict remains grave.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how martial success in war swiftly generates honor and acclaim. Ethically, it invites reflection on the difference between being celebrated for victory and being righteous (dhārmika) in one’s conduct—public praise can follow power, even when the broader war remains morally tragic.
After defeating the opposing side’s formation/force, Aśvatthāmā (Droṇa’s son) roars in triumph on the battlefield. Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Aśvatthāmā is widely honored at that moment, and the Kaurava princes also show him great respect.