Shloka 423
भीमसेनस्य कौरवसुतवधः तथा श्रुतर्वावधः
Slaying of Kaurava princes and the fall of Śrutarvā
हित्वा पाड्चालराजस्य तदनीकं दुरुत्सहम् | कुछ लोगोंने कहा--'सारथिके मारे जानेपर पांचालराजकी उस दुःसह सेनाको त्यागकर राजा दुर्योधन वहीं गये हैं, जहाँ शकुनि हैं”
hitvā pāñcālarājasya tad-anīkaṃ durutsaham |
Sañjaya said: Abandoning the formidable battle-array of the king of the Pāñcālas, some reported that King Duryodhana—after his charioteer had been slain—withdrew from that front and went to where Śakuni was.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of resolve in war: when support systems (like a charioteer) collapse, even a king may abandon a difficult front and seek guidance or safety with a trusted ally. Ethically, it invites reflection on whether leadership should be anchored in steadfast duty (dharma) or in expedient survival and counsel.
Sañjaya reports a battlefield development: Duryodhana is said to have left the formidable Pāñcāla formation after his charioteer was killed, and to have gone to the location where Śakuni was present—suggesting a tactical withdrawal and a move toward consultation or regrouping.