Shloka 52
Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
अवरुह्य रथोपस्थात् त्वरमाणो<भिदुद्रुवे । सहस्रचन्द्रविमलं गृहीत्वा चर्म संयुगे
avaruhya rathopasthāt tvaramāṇo 'bhidudruve | sahasracandravimalaṃ gṛhītvā carma saṃyuge ||
संजय बोले: वह रथ की बैठक से कूदकर उतर पड़ा और शीघ्रता से दौड़ पड़ा; और रण के घोर कोलाहल में उसने सहस्र चन्द्रमा-सा उज्ज्वल, निर्मल ढाल उठा ली।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the urgency and pragmatism of combat: one must act swiftly and secure protection. In the Sauptika context, this efficiency is ethically charged—martial skill is shown, yet it unfolds within a morally troubling episode of night-time killing.
A warrior quickly dismounts from the chariot and rushes forward, taking up a brilliantly shining shield in the midst of battle, signaling immediate engagement and readiness for close combat.