Shloka 3636
अर्जुनस्य शीघ्रप्रयाणं भीम-शकुनियुद्धं च
Arjuna’s Rapid Advance and the Bhīma–Śakuni Encounter
अपाहरदसम्भ्रान्तो धृष्टद्युम्नस्य पश्यत: । राजन्! इसी समय दण्डधार धृष्टद्युम्नके देखते-देखते राजा दुर्योधनको अपने रथपर बिठाकर बिना किसी घबराहटके रणभूमिसे दूर हटा ले गया
sañjaya uvāca |
apāharad asambhrānto dhṛṣṭadyumnasya paśyataḥ |
Sanjaya said: “O King, at that very moment, before Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s eyes, he remained unperturbed and without panic: he set King Duryodhana upon his chariot and withdrew him far from the battlefield.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a dharmic war, composure and discernment matter: protecting a key leader through a controlled withdrawal can be ethically framed as responsible guardianship and strategic prudence, rather than mere cowardice—especially when continuing would lead to needless loss.
Sañjaya reports that, in full view of Dhṛṣṭadyumna, Duryodhana is swiftly placed onto a chariot and taken away from the battlefield by an ally/attendant, who remains calm and unshaken while executing the retreat.