Shloka 1116
Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
व्ययोजयत खडगेन प्राणैर्द्धिजवरोत्तम: । उस समय कुछ वीर क्षत्रिय आक्रमण कर रहे थे और दूसरे पीठ दिखाकर भागे जा रहे थे। ब्राह्मणशिरोमणि अभ्वत्थामाने उन दोनों ही प्रकारके योद्धाओंको तलवारसे मारकर प्राणहीन कर दिया
vyayojayat khaḍgena prāṇair dvijavarottamaḥ |
Sañjaya said: The foremost of the twice-born—Aśvatthāman—severed them from life with his sword. In that moment, some valiant kṣatriyas were pressing the attack while others, turning their backs, fled; he struck down both kinds alike, leaving them lifeless—an image of night-war where the usual restraints of righteous combat collapse.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical breakdown of warfare in the Sauptika episode: killing indiscriminately—whether one fights or flees—signals a collapse of the dharmic restraints that traditionally govern combat, underscoring how vengeance and rage can override moral law.
During the night assault, Aśvatthāman moves through the camp and kills warriors with his sword. The scene includes both those who are attacking and those who are fleeing, and he slays them alike, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the slaughter.