Shloka 40
Rajo-dhūli-saṃmūḍha-saṅgrāmaḥ
The Dust-Obscured Battle and Mutual Charges
स हताश्चाद् रथात् तूर्ण खड्गमादाय विद्रुतः | बीभत्सोश्न रथं प्राप्प पुन: शान्तिमविन्दत,घोड़े मारे जानेपर शंख तुरंत ही तलवार लेकर रथसे कूद पड़ा और अर्जुनके रथपर चढ़कर उसने पुनः शान्तिकी साँस ली
sa hatāś cād rathāt tūrṇaṃ khaḍgam ādāya vidrutaḥ | bībhatsor rathaṃ prāpya punaḥ śāntim avindata ||
Sañjaya said: When his horses had been slain, he quickly leapt down from the chariot, sword in hand. Reaching the chariot of Bībhatsu (Arjuna), he climbed aboard and, having found refuge there, regained his composure. The scene underscores how, amid the chaos of war, survival and steadiness are sought through swift action and reliance on a capable protector.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the turmoil of battle, one must act decisively and then regain inner steadiness; seeking shelter with a righteous and capable ally is portrayed as a practical means to restore composure and continue one’s duty.
After his horses are killed, the warrior quickly dismounts with sword in hand, runs to Arjuna’s chariot, climbs onto it, and feels relief and calm again upon reaching that safer position.