Shloka 50
स्त्री-विलापः — गान्धार्याः रणभूमिदर्शनं शापवचनं च
Battlefield Lament and Gāndhārī’s Curse
इत्युक्तवति दाशार्हें पाण्डवास्त्रस्तचेतस: । बभूवुर्भुशसंविग्ना निराशाश्चापि जीविते,श्रीकृष्णके ऐसा कहनेपर पाण्डव मन-ही-मन भयभीत हो उठे। उन्हें बड़ा उद्वेग हुआ। वे सब-के-सब अपने जीवनसे निराश हो गये
ity uktavati dāśārhe pāṇḍavās trastacetasaḥ | babhūvur bhṛśasaṃvignā nirāśāś cāpi jīvite ||
Vaiśampāyana said: When Dāśārha (Śrī Kṛṣṇa) had spoken thus, the Pāṇḍavas became inwardly terrified. Deeply shaken and overwhelmed with anguish, they all fell into despair even about their own survival.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychological and ethical aftermath of violence: when confronted with the full meaning of what has occurred and what must be faced, even righteous heroes can be shaken into despair. It points to the gravity of dharma in action—choices in war carry consequences that must be endured with clarity and responsibility.
After Śrī Kṛṣṇa (called Dāśārha) speaks, the Pāṇḍavas react with intense inner fear and agitation. Their confidence collapses into hopelessness about life itself, reflecting the crushing mood of the Strī Parva as the victors confront the sorrow and moral weight following the war.