Shloka 66
विहाय तान् बाणगणानथागतौ सुह्ृद्वृतावप्रतिमानविक्रमौ । सुखं प्रविष्टी शिबिरं स्वमी श्वरौ सदस्यनिन्न्द्याविव विष्णुवासवौ
vihāya tān bāṇagaṇān athāgatau suhṛdvṛtāv apratimānavikramau | sukhaṁ praviṣṭī śibiraṁ svam īśvarau sadasyanindyāv iva viṣṇuvāsavau ||
Śalya said: “Casting aside those volleys of arrows, the two—guarded by their loyal companions and unmatched in prowess—returned and entered their own camp in comfort, like Viṣṇu and Vāsava (Indra), though in this assembly they were objects of censure.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the tension between outward success and moral judgment: even mighty leaders may withdraw safely and appear triumphant, yet still be censured by the discerning assembly for choices made in war. Valor does not automatically confer ethical approval.
Śalya describes two powerful figures, shielded by their allies, disengaging from the exchange of arrows and returning to their own camp unharmed and at ease. He compares their stature to Viṣṇu and Indra, while noting that they were nevertheless criticized in the council.