Shloka 18
धर्मराजस्य चिन्ता, भीमसेनप्रेषणम्, द्रोणानीकप्रवेशप्रयत्नः
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Anxiety and the Dispatch of Bhīma; Attempted Breakthrough into Droṇa’s Formation
रथं रथवरस्याजोौ युक्त लब्धोदकैर्हयै: । दृष्टवा कुरुबलश्रेष्ठा: पुनर्विमनसो5भवन्,रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ अर्जुनके उस रथको समरांगणमें पानी पीकर सुस्ताये हुए घोड़ोंसे जुता हुआ देख कौरव-सेनाके श्रेष्ठ वीर फिर उदास हो गये
sañjaya uvāca | rathaṁ rathavarasyārjau yuktam labdhodakair hayaiḥ | dṛṣṭvā kurubalāśreṣṭhāḥ punar vimanaso 'bhavan |
Melihat kereta Arjuna—yang utama di antara para kesatria-kereta—ditarik oleh kuda-kuda yang telah memperoleh air dan kembali segar di medan laga, para pahlawan terkemuka pasukan Kuru kembali menjadi muram.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and strategic importance of preparedness: even in a righteous war, practical readiness—such as caring for horses and maintaining mobility—directly affects morale and outcomes. It also shows how confidence and fear spread through armies based on visible signs of an opponent’s strength.
Sañjaya reports that the leading Kuru warriors see Arjuna’s chariot ready again, with horses refreshed after drinking water. Interpreting this as Arjuna’s renewed capacity to fight effectively, they lose heart and become dejected once more.