Shloka 16
धृष्टद्युम्नस्य द्रोणरथारोহণं सात्यकेः प्रतिरक्षणं च | Dhrishtadyumna Boards Droṇa’s Chariot; Sātyaki’s Counter-Protection
न च मामद्य सौभद्र: प्रह्ष्टो ग्रातृभि: सह । रणादायान्तुमुचितं प्रत्युद्याति हसन्निव,“आज प्रतिदिनकी भाँति सुभद्राकुमार अभिमन्यु अपने भाइयोंके साथ हर्षमें भरकर हँसता हुआ-सा युद्धसे लौटते हुए मेरी उचित अगवानी करने नहीं आ रहा है (इसका क्या कारण है?)'
na ca mām adya saubhadraḥ prahṛṣṭo bhrātṛbhiḥ saha | raṇād āyāntum ucitaṁ pratyudyāti hasann iva ||
Sañjaya said: “And today, the son of Subhadrā—usually delighted and accompanied by his brothers—does not come forth, as is proper, to greet me on his return from battle, as though smiling. What could be the reason?”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ucita—what is ‘proper’ conduct—showing how dharma includes social and relational duties (such as greeting and respectful reception). In the war narrative, a break in customary, proper behavior is treated as morally and emotionally significant, often read as an ominous sign.
Sañjaya notes that Abhimanyu, who normally returns from battle cheerful and accompanied by his brothers and comes out to greet him, is not doing so today. The unusual absence of this customary welcome prompts concern and foreshadows misfortune in the unfolding battle events.