Shloka 5
मया प्रोक्त: स संग्रामे द्वारं संजनयस्व नः । प्रविष्टेड भ्यन्तरे तस्मिन् सैन्धवेन निवारिता:
mayā proktaḥ sa saṅgrāme dvāraṃ sañjanayasva naḥ | praviṣṭe 'bhyantare tasmin saindhavena nivāritāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “In the midst of battle I had shown him the ‘gate’—the opening by which our forces could pass through. But once we had entered within that formation, Saindhava checked us and held us back.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, even a well-identified strategic opening can be nullified by a single determined defender; it underscores the ethical weight of responsibility in leadership—plans must account for resistance, and outcomes hinge on both strategy and steadfast opposition.
Sañjaya reports that he indicated a crucial entry-point (‘gate’) in the battle array for their side to exploit, but once the troops moved inside, Saindhava (Jayadratha) blocked their advance and prevented them from proceeding.