धृष्टद्युम्नस्य द्रोणरथारोহণं सात्यकेः प्रतिरक्षणं च | Dhrishtadyumna Boards Droṇa’s Chariot; Sātyaki’s Counter-Protection
दुःखेन महता<5<विष्टो युधिष्ठिरमपृच्छत । इस प्रकार बारंबार विलाप करके टूटे हुए जहाजवाले व्यापारीकी भाँति महान् दुःखसे व्याप्त हो अर्जुनने युधिष्ठिरसे इस प्रकार पूछा--
sañjaya uvāca | duḥkhena mahatāviṣṭo yudhiṣṭhiram apṛcchat |
इस प्रकार बारंबार विलाप करके, टूटे हुए जहाज वाले व्यापारी की भाँति, महान् दुःख से व्याप्त होकर अर्जुन ने युधिष्ठिर से इस प्रकार पूछा।
संजय उवाच
The verse foregrounds the ethical weight of war: even the greatest heroes can be morally and emotionally shaken. It frames inquiry and counsel—turning to a dharmic authority (Yudhiṣṭhira) in moments of collapse—as a necessary step toward regaining clarity and right action.
Sañjaya narrates that Arjuna, repeatedly lamenting and overwhelmed by great sorrow, approaches and questions Yudhiṣṭhira. The simile of a shipwrecked merchant conveys Arjuna’s sense of ruin and helplessness before he speaks further.