Shloka 6
सूतपुत्रे हते राजन् वित्रस्ता: शस्त्रविक्षता: | अनाथा नाथमिच्छन्तो मृगा: सिंहैरिवार्दिता:,राजन! सूतपुत्रका वध हो जानेपर सिंहसे पीड़ित हुए मृगोंक समान कौरव-सैनिक भयभीत हो उठे। वे अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंस घायल हो गये थे और अनाथ होकर अपने लिये कोई रक्षक चाहते थे
sūtaputre hate rājan vitrastāḥ śastravikṣatāḥ | anāthā nātham icchanto mṛgāḥ siṁhair ivārditāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “O King, when the charioteer’s son was slain, the Kaurava soldiers were thrown into panic. Wounded and torn by weapons, they became like deer harried by lions—leaderless and helpless, longing for a protector.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how an army’s morale and cohesion depend on leadership: when a central protector falls, fear spreads, discipline collapses, and even the well-armed become helpless. Ethically, it underscores the fragility of power and the human tendency to seek refuge when confronted with loss and danger.
After Karṇa’s death, the Kaurava troops are described as terrified and wounded, scattering like deer attacked by lions. They feel leaderless and look for someone to protect and rally them.