Shloka 3
दुःशासननिग्रहः—द्रोणधृष्टद्युम्नयुद्धप्रसङ्गः
Rebuke of Duḥśāsana; Context of the Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna Combat
रक्षमाण: स्वकं व्यूहं दोणो5पि सह सैनिकै: । अयोधयदू रणे पार्थान् प्रार्थयानो महद् यश:,द्रोणाचार्य भी महान् यशकी अभिलाषा रखकर अपने व्यूहकी रक्षा करते हुए बहुत-से सैनिकोंको साथ लेकर समरांगणमें कुन्तीपुत्रोंके साथ युद्धमें संलग्न हो गये
rakṣamāṇaḥ svakaṃ vyūhaṃ droṇo 'pi saha sainikaiḥ | ayodhayad raṇe pārthān prārthayāno mahad yaśaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Guarding his own battle-formation, Droṇa too—accompanied by his troops—engaged the sons of Pṛthā in combat on the battlefield, driven by the desire for great renown.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse suggests that even while fulfilling martial duty and maintaining strategic order (protecting the vyūha), human motives like the pursuit of fame (yaśas) can strongly influence action. It invites reflection on how dharma in war is often intertwined with personal ambition.
Sañjaya reports that Droṇa, while safeguarding his own battle-array and supported by his soldiers, actively engages the Pāṇḍavas in combat. The emphasis is on Droṇa’s tactical responsibility (defending the formation) alongside his drive for great renown.