Shloka 51
जयद्रथवधः — The Slaying of Jayadratha
Sunset Vow and Curse-Condition
जिता: संख्ये महाराज युयुधानेन दंशिता: । पाण्णिशिश्व कशाभिश्च ताडयन्तस्तुरज्रमान्
jitāḥ saṅkhye mahārāja yuyudhānena daṃśitāḥ | pāṇṇiśiśva-kaśābhiś ca tāḍayantas turagrāmān ||
Sañjaya berkata: Wahai Raja, dalam hiruk-pikuk pertempuran mereka ditaklukkan oleh Yuyudhāna; tersengat oleh gempurannya, mereka memukul kuda-kuda mereka dengan tali kekang dan pecut.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, fear and defeat can drive people to harsh, impulsive actions—here, lashing horses to flee or re-enter combat. It implicitly contrasts inner steadiness with panic-driven compulsion, reminding that dharma in conflict demands discipline, not cruelty born of desperation.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) has overpowered the opposing fighters. Feeling ‘stung’ by his attack, they strike their horses with reins and whips, urging their chariots onward amid the turmoil.