Shloka 41
Nārāyaṇāstra-utpātaḥ — Aśvatthāman’s Rallying Roar after Droṇa’s Fall (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय १६७)
कृतवर्मा तु निर्जित्य धर्मात्मानं युधिष्ठिरम् । पुनद्रोणस्य जुगुपे चक्रमेव महात्मन:,धर्मात्मा युधिष्ठिरको जीतकर कृतवर्मा पुनः महात्मा द्रोणके रथचक्रकी ही रक्षा करने लगा
kṛtavarmā tu nirjitya dharmātmānaṃ yudhiṣṭhiram | punar droṇasya jughupe cakram eva mahātmanaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Having overcome the righteous Yudhiṣṭhira, Kṛtavarmā once again took up the task of guarding the wheel of the noble Droṇa’s chariot.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in warfare, actions are framed by duty: after gaining advantage over a righteous opponent, the warrior’s next obligation is often protective—guarding the commander’s chariot and ensuring the leader’s safety and operational strength. The verse highlights loyalty and responsibility as battlefield virtues, not merely aggression.
Sañjaya reports that Kṛtavarmā has checked or defeated Yudhiṣṭhira in combat and then returns to defend Droṇa’s chariot wheel—suggesting a tactical shift from direct engagement to safeguarding Droṇa’s chariot, a critical point in the ongoing battle.