Shloka 18
द्रोण–सात्यकि द्वैरथम्
Droṇa and Sātyaki: The Chariot Duel
प्रतिलभ्य तत: संज्ञां वासवि: क्रोधमूर्च्छित:,उन्मत्त इव विप्रेक्षन्निदं वचनमत्रवीत् | तदनन्तर इन्द्रपुत्र अर्जुन होशमें आकर क्रोधसे व्याकुल हो मानो ज्वरसे काँप रहे हों-- इस प्रकार बारंबार लंबी साँस खींचते और हाथपर हाथ मलते हुए नेत्रोंसे आँसू बहाने लगे और उन्मत्तके समान देखते हुए इस तरह बोले--
pratilabhya tataḥ saṃjñāṃ vāsaviḥ krodhamūrcchitaḥ | unmatta iva viprekṣann idaṃ vacanam abravīt ||
Regaining consciousness, Arjuna—the son of Indra—was overwhelmed by a swoon of anger. Staring about like one deranged, he spoke these words. The scene underscores how even a righteous warrior, struck by grief and shock, can be shaken into loss of self-control, and how the struggle to return to composure becomes an ethical turning-point amid war.
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral danger of anger and shock in war: even a noble warrior can momentarily lose steadiness, and the ethical task is to regain awareness and act with discernment rather than being driven by rage.
Arjuna regains consciousness after being overwhelmed; he is still seized by anger, looks around in a disturbed state, and begins to speak—setting up the next lines where his words and resolve will shape the ensuing action.