Shloka 8
अश्वत्थामा तत: शूरो विनि:श्वस्य पुन: पुनः । पाण्डवानां जयं दृष्टवा शिबिरायैव दुद्रुवे,तदनन्तर शूरवीर अभश्व॒त्थामा पाण्डवोंकी विजय देख बारंबार उच्छवास लेता हुआ छावनीकी ओर ही भागने लगा
Aśvatthāmā tataḥ śūro viniḥśvasya punaḥ punaḥ | pāṇḍavānāṃ jayaṃ dṛṣṭvā śibirāyaiva dudruve ||
Sañjaya said: Then the valiant Aśvatthāmā, heaving repeated sighs, and seeing the Pāṇḍavas’ victory, fled straight back toward the camp.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how inner states—fear, grief, exhaustion, and the sting of defeat—can overpower even a famed warrior. It implicitly contrasts outward valor with inward steadiness, suggesting that ethical clarity and composure are crucial amid the chaos of war.
Sañjaya reports that Aśvatthāmā, seeing the Pāṇḍavas gaining victory, repeatedly sighs and then retreats rapidly toward the camp, indicating a turning point where the Kaurava side’s confidence collapses and key fighters begin to withdraw.