Shloka 5
Jayadrathasya śoka-bhaya-vilāpaḥ — Droṇena āśvāsanaṃ ca
Jayadratha’s lament and Droṇa’s reassurance
मया प्रोक्त: स संग्रामे द्वारं संजनयस्व नः । प्रविष्टेड भ्यन्तरे तस्मिन् सैन्धवेन निवारिता:
mayā proktaḥ sa saṅgrāme dvāraṃ sañjanayasva naḥ | praviṣṭe 'bhyantare tasmin saindhavena nivāritāḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : «Au cœur du combat, je lui avais indiqué la “porte” — l’ouverture par laquelle nos troupes pouvaient passer. Mais lorsque nous fûmes entrés à l’intérieur de cette formation, Saindhava nous arrêta et nous tint en échec.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, even a well-identified strategic opening can be nullified by a single determined defender; it underscores the ethical weight of responsibility in leadership—plans must account for resistance, and outcomes hinge on both strategy and steadfast opposition.
Sañjaya reports that he indicated a crucial entry-point (‘gate’) in the battle array for their side to exploit, but once the troops moved inside, Saindhava (Jayadratha) blocked their advance and prevented them from proceeding.