Shloka 8
अर्जुनेन विहीनस्तु यदि नोत्सूजते रणम् । मामुपायान्तमालोक्य गृहीतं विद्धि पाण्डवम्,“अर्जुनसे अलग रहनेपर यदि पाण्डुनन्दन युधिष्ठिर मुझे निकट आते देख युद्धस्थलका परित्याग नहीं कर देंगे तो तुम निश्चय समझो, वे मेरी पकड़में आ जायाँगे
arjunena vihīnastu yadi notsūjate raṇam | mām upāyāntam ālokya gṛhītaṃ viddhi pāṇḍavam ||
Sañjaya said: “If, being without Arjuna, the Pāṇḍava (Yudhiṣṭhira) does not abandon the battlefield on seeing me advancing toward him, then know for certain that he will be seized—caught in my grasp.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how morale and strategic advantage in war hinge on key protectors: without Arjuna’s support, Yudhiṣṭhira becomes vulnerable. Ethically, it underscores the tension between steadfastness (not abandoning the field) and prudence (avoiding capture), showing how dharma in battle is tested by circumstance and counsel.
Sañjaya reports a tactical assessment: if Yudhiṣṭhira, separated from Arjuna, does not withdraw upon seeing the speaker advance, then he is likely to be captured. The line frames an imminent attempt to seize the Pandava leader by exploiting Arjuna’s absence.