Shloka 53
स पाप: क्षत्रियो भूत्वा अस्मानाहूय संयुगे । मान्यामान्यान् पुरस्कृत्य युद्ध मा गा: कुलाधम,“कुलाधम! तू पापी है! देख, क्षत्रिय होकर और हमलोगोंको युद्धके लिये बुलाकर ऐसे लोगोंको आगे करके रणभूमिमें न आना, जो हमारे माननीय वृद्ध गुरुजन और स्नेहास्पद बालक हों
sa pāpaḥ kṣatriyo bhūtvā asmān āhūya saṃyuge | mānyāmānyān puraskṛtya yuddha mā gāḥ kulādhama ||
Sañjaya said: “O wretch of a clan! Though born a kṣatriya, you have summoned us to battle; do not come onto the battlefield placing in front those who are to be honored—our venerable elders and teachers, and the dear young ones. Such conduct is sinful and ignoble.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse condemns ignoble warfare: a true kṣatriya must face battle with honor and responsibility, not hide behind or endanger those who deserve protection and reverence (elders, teachers, and the young).
Sañjaya reports a harsh rebuke directed at an opponent: despite claiming kṣatriya status and calling others to fight, he is warned not to enter battle by pushing forward venerable elders/teachers and beloved youngsters—an accusation of cowardice and adharma in conduct.