Shloka 123
धृष्टद्युम्नस्य द्रोणरथारोহণं सात्यकेः प्रतिरक्षणं च | Dhrishtadyumna Boards Droṇa’s Chariot; Sātyaki’s Counter-Protection
स्तुतियुक्तानि रम्याणि ममानीकेषु बन्दिन: । “ढाक और करतारकी ध्वनिके साथ आज वीणा भी नहीं बज रही है। मेरी सेनाओंमें वन्दीजन न तो मंगलगीत गा रहे हैं और न स्तुतियुक्त मनोहर श्लोकोंका ही पाठ करते हैं
stutiyuktāni ramyāṇi mamānīkeṣu bandinaḥ |
Di dalam barisan pasukanku, para juru puji tak lagi melantunkan bait-bait indah yang sarat sanjungan. Nyanyian pertanda mujur dan kidung kemenangan yang dahulu menguatkan semangat kini terdiam—seakan pertanda suram menindih bala tentara.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs of celebration—praise-poetry and auspicious singing—depend on inner confidence and perceived righteousness. When an army’s moral center collapses, even its cultural rituals of honor and auspiciousness fall silent, functioning as an ethical and psychological indicator of decline.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that within the Kaurava ranks the bards are not reciting pleasing, praise-filled verses. This signals a loss of confidence and an ominous shift in the war’s momentum, as the usual ceremonial affirmations of victory and honor are absent.