Shloka 9
द्रोणेन च सपुत्रेण महेष्वासेन धीमता । हृष्टरोमा भयोद्विग्न: पार्थ वैराटिरब्रवीत्,वह भारी सेना हाथी, घोड़ों एवं रथोंसे भरी हुई थी। कर्ण, दुर्योधन, कृपाचार्य, भीष्म, अश्वत्थामा और महान् धनुर्धर एवं परम बुद्धिमान् द्रोण उसकी रक्षा कर रहे थे। उसे देखकर विराटपुत्र उत्तरके रोंगटे खड़े हो गये। उसने भयसे व्याकुल होकर अर्जुनसे कहा
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
droṇena ca saputreṇa maheṣvāsena dhīmatā |
hṛṣṭaromā bhayodvignaḥ pārtha vairāṭir abravīt ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Seeing that mighty host protected by the supremely skilled and wise bowman Droṇa, together with his son, the prince of Virāṭa (Uttara) was seized with fear; his hair stood on end. Trembling with anxiety, he spoke to Pārtha (Arjuna).
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the natural rise of fear when confronted with overwhelming power, and the ethical need for steadiness and right counsel in crisis. It sets up the contrast between untrained panic and the composed discernment expected of a kṣatriya guided by dharma and experienced leadership.
Uttara, the prince of Virāṭa, sees the opposing force guarded by Droṇa and his son Aśvatthāmā and becomes terrified—his hair stands on end. In that frightened state he turns to Arjuna (Pārtha) and begins to speak, leading into the ensuing dialogue and Arjuna’s assumption of the true warrior role.