Shloka 23
भीष्मरथाभिमुख्यं — Arjuna’s advance with Śikhaṇḍin; Duḥśāsana’s interception
सर्वलोकेश्चरा: शूरास्तत्र तत्र विशाम्पते । विप्रद्रुता व्यदृश्यन्त प्राकृता इव मानवा:
sañjaya uvāca | sarvalokeścarāḥ śūrās tatra tatra viśāmpate | vipradrutā vyadṛśyanta prākṛtā iva mānavāḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : Ô seigneur du peuple, des guerriers héroïques, célèbres dans tous les mondes, furent vus ici et là, mis en déroute et fuyant—semblables à de simples hommes. Ainsi, même ceux qu’on proclamait champions de renommée universelle, privés de leurs chars et ébranlés par la mêlée, semblaient perdre leur éclat d’autrefois et couraient en désarroi, révélant comment la guerre abaisse les rangs et met à nu la fragilité humaine.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the levelling power of calamity: even world-renowned heroes, when struck by fear, loss of support (such as chariots), or the tide of battle, can appear like ordinary people. Glory and status are contingent; steadiness and dharma are tested precisely under pressure.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that many celebrated warriors on the battlefield are scattered and fleeing in different directions. The scene emphasizes confusion and reversal in the midst of the Kurukṣetra war, where even famed champions are seen routed.