Shloka 67
धृतराष्ट्र-संजय-संवादः — दुर्योधनस्य ह्रदप्रवेशः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Saṃjaya Dialogue: Duryodhana’s Entry into the Lake
ततो रथाच्छकुनिं पातयित्वा मुदान्विता भारत पाण्डवेया: । शड्खान् प्रदध्मु: समरे5तिहृष्टा: सकेशवा: सैनिकान् हर्षयन्त:
tato rathāc chakuniṁ pātayitvā mudānvitā bhārata pāṇḍaveyāḥ | śaṅkhān pradadhmuḥ samare ’tihṛṣṭāḥ sa-keśavāḥ sainikān harṣayantaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then, having struck Śakuni down from his chariot, the sons of Pāṇḍu—filled with joy—blew their conches on the battlefield, exultant, and along with Keśava (Kṛṣṇa) they gladdened their troops. The moment marks the surge of morale that follows the fall of a key instigator of adharma, showing how victory in war is not only physical but also psychological and ethical in its impact on an army’s resolve.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the downfall of a principal agent of adharma strengthens righteous forces: ethical momentum and collective morale matter in war. Leadership (here, the Pāṇḍavas with Keśava) sustains dharmic resolve by rallying troops at decisive moments.
After Śakuni is knocked down from his chariot, the Pāṇḍavas rejoice and blow their conches. With Kṛṣṇa present, they inspire and hearten their soldiers, signaling a significant shift in confidence on the battlefield.