Shloka 27
द्वैपायनह्रदे दुर्योधनान्वेषणम् / The Search for Duryodhana at Dvaipāyana Lake
एकादशचमूभर्ता पुत्रो दुर्योधनस्तव । गदामादाय तेजस्वी पदाति: प्रस्थितो हृदम्,जो किसी समय ग्यारह अक्षौहिणी सेनाका सेनापति था, वही आपका तेजस्वी पुत्र दुर्योधन अब गदा लेकर पैदल ही सरोवरकी ओर भागा जा रहा था
ekādaśacamūbhartā putro duryodhanas tava | gadām ādāya tejasvī padātiḥ prasthito hradam ||
Sañjaya dijo: Tu hijo Duryodhana—que en otro tiempo cargó con el mando de las once grandes divisiones del ejército—ahora, aunque aún resplandecía con brío marcial, tomó su maza y se encaminó a pie hacia el lago.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical irony of adharma in war: worldly power and command can collapse suddenly, leaving even a great leader isolated. It suggests that unrighteous choices and the momentum of violence culminate in loss of support, dignity, and security.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Duryodhana—formerly commander of the vast Kaurava host—has taken his mace and is moving on foot toward a lake, indicating retreat and a shift from commanding an army to seeking refuge.