Shloka 25
धृतराष्ट्र-संजय-संवादः — दुर्योधनस्य ह्रदप्रवेशः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Saṃjaya Dialogue: Duryodhana’s Entry into the Lake
तांस्तथा पुरतो दृष्टवा सौबलस्य पदानुगान्
tāṁs tathā purato dṛṣṭvā saubalasya padānugān
Sañjaya dit : Les voyant là, devant lui, tels quels—ceux qui marchaient sur les traces de Saubala—il considéra cette faction qui avançait sous la conduite de Śakuni ; rappel que l’imitation d’un guide rusé peut entraîner des guerriers vers des choix funestes au cœur de la guerre.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral risk of uncritical imitation: following a leader’s ‘footsteps’—especially one known for cunning—can entangle people in ethically compromised actions and destructive outcomes in the pressure of war.
Sañjaya reports that a group is seen directly ahead, identified as those aligned with and acting under Saubala (Śakuni), indicating the presence and movement of Śakuni’s adherents on the battlefield.