Shloka 17
Ananta-Śeṣa Tapas and the Bearing of the Earth (अनन्त-शेष-तपस् तथा महीधारणम्)
दिशं प्रतीचीमादित्या नासत्यावुत्तरां दिशम् । मुहर्मुहुः प्रेक्षमाणा युध्यमाना महौजस:,आदित्यगण पश्चिम दिशाकी ओर भागे तथा अश्विनीकुमारोंने उत्तर दिशाका आश्रय लिया। ये महा-पराक्रमी योद्धा बार-बार पीछेकी ओर देखते हुए भाग रहे थे
diśaṃ pratīcīm ādityā nāsatyāv uttarāṃ diśam | muhurmuhuḥ prekṣamāṇā yudhyamānā mahaujasaḥ ||
Śaunaka said: The Ādityas withdrew toward the western quarter, while the Nāsatyas (the Aśvinīkumāras) took refuge in the northern direction. Though mighty in prowess and still engaged in combat, they repeatedly looked back as they retreated—showing the tense moral texture of battle, where even powerful warriors may be driven to strategic withdrawal when the tide turns.
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a realistic ethic of conflict: valor does not exclude prudence. Even the mighty may withdraw when circumstances demand it, and the repeated backward glances suggest vigilance and accountability amid retreat—strategy rather than mere panic.
Śaunaka narrates a battlefield movement: the Ādityas flee toward the west, and the Nāsatyas (Aśvin twins) head north. Though still fighting, they retreat while repeatedly looking back, indicating pressure from opponents and a tactical withdrawal.