Shloka 21
चोदयन्तश्न सैन्यानि स्वस्त्रीयांश्ष॒ तथापरे । सम्बन्धिनस्तथान्ये च प्राद्रवन्त दिशो दश,कितने ही योद्धा अपनी सेनाओंको, दूसरे लोग भानजोंको और कितने ही अपने सगे- सम्बन्धियोंको भागनेकी आज्ञा देते हुए दसों दिशाओंकी ओर भाग खड़े हुए
codayantaś ca sainyāni sva-strīyāṃś ca tathāpare | sambandhinas tathānye ca prādravan diśo daśa ||
Sañjaya said: Urging their own troops onward, and others calling out to their womenfolk, while still others shouting to their kinsmen, they fled in panic—scattering toward all ten directions.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how fear can dissolve discipline and dharma in war: when panic spreads, people prioritize immediate survival and family ties over collective duty, leading to disorder and flight.
Sañjaya describes a chaotic moment in the battle where groups of people are shouting—some urging troops, others calling to their womenfolk and relatives—and then many flee, dispersing in all directions.