Shloka 24
आवर्तमानमावृत्तं युध्यमानं च पाण्डव: । प्रमुखे तिष्ठटमानं च न किंचिन्न निहन्ति सः,जो लौटकर आ रहे थे, जो आ चुके थे, जो युद्ध करते थे और जो सामने खड़े थे-- इनमेंसे किसीको भी पाण्डुकुमार अर्जुन मारे बिना नहीं छोड़ते थे
sañjaya uvāca |
āvartamānam āvṛttaṃ yudhyamānaṃ ca pāṇḍavaḥ |
pramukhe tiṣṭhamānaṃ ca na kiñcin na nihanti saḥ ||
Sañjaya said: The Pāṇḍava (Arjuna) spared no one—whether they were turning back, had already returned, were fighting on, or stood facing him in the forefront; he struck them down, leaving none untouched.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh execution of kṣatriya-duty in a total war setting: once battle is joined, Arjuna’s action becomes unwavering and comprehensive, illustrating how dharma in war can demand resolute, even terrifying, commitment—while also inviting reflection on the ethical burden such duty carries.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna is cutting down enemies in every posture—those retreating, those who have turned back, those actively fighting, and those standing directly before him—indicating Arjuna’s dominance and the escalating intensity of the Drona Parva battle.