Shloka 48
गोप्तारावर्जुनस्यैतावर्जुनोडपि शिखण्डिन: । रक्ष्यमाण: स पार्थेन तथास्माभिविंवर्जित:
goptārāv arjunasya etāv arjuno 'pi śikhaṇḍinaḥ | rakṣyamāṇaḥ sa pārthena tathāsmābhir vivarjitaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “These two were the protectors of Arjuna, and Arjuna in turn was the protector of Śikhaṇḍin. Thus guarded by Pārtha, he (Śikhaṇḍin) advanced, while we found ourselves unable to check him.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights battlefield dharma expressed as protective responsibility: warriors do not act in isolation but uphold their duty through coordinated guardianship, shielding key agents so that a larger strategic and moral objective can be pursued.
Sañjaya reports that two fighters are guarding Arjuna, while Arjuna himself is guarding Śikhaṇḍin. With Arjuna’s protection, Śikhaṇḍin advances effectively, and the opposing side finds itself unable to restrain or counter him.