Shloka 58
Bhūriśravas–Sātyaki Saṃvāda and Duel; Arjuna’s Intervention (भूरिश्रवाः–सात्यकि संवादः, युद्धम्, अर्जुन-हस्तक्षेपः)
विमुखाश्नवा भ्यधावन्न्त तव योधा: समन्तत:
vimukhāś ca vyadhāvan te tava yodhāḥ samantataḥ
Sañjaya dit : Tes guerriers, détournant le visage de consternation, s’enfuirent de toutes parts—image d’un moral qui s’effondre sous la pression du combat et sous le poids moral d’une guerre qui éprouve la résolution et le devoir du dharma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how inner states—fear, discouragement, loss of confidence—can overturn outward strength in war. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, it also underscores the tension between kṣatriya duty to stand firm and the human impulse to flee when overwhelmed.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Kaurava fighters have become vimukha—turning away from the fight—and are running off in all directions, indicating a breakdown of formation and resolve at that moment in the battle.