Shloka 31
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya-saṃvādaḥ; madhyāhna-saṅgrāma-pravṛttiḥ
Dhritarashtra–Sanjaya dialogue and the midday battle escalation
सखड््गस्य महाराज चरतस्तस्य संयुगे । नान्तरं दद्शे द्रौणिस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्,महाराज! तलवार लेकर युद्धमें विचरते हुए शिखण्डीका थोड़ा-सा भी छिठद्र अश्व॒त्थामाको नहीं दिखायी दिया। वह एक अद्भुत-सी बात हुई
sa-khaḍgasya mahārāja caratas tasya saṁyuge | nāntaraṁ dadarśe drauṇis tad adbhutam ivābhavat, mahārāja ||
Sañjaya said: “O King, as Śikhaṇḍin moved about the battlefield with sword in hand, Droṇa’s son Aśvatthāman could not perceive even the slightest opening in him. To behold such flawless vigilance in the midst of war seemed almost wondrous, O Mahārāja.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and practical ideal of vigilance and disciplined conduct in warfare: a warrior who remains fully composed and guarded offers no ‘opening’ to the opponent, illustrating steadiness under pressure as a form of martial dharma.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Śikhaṇḍin, moving through the fight with sword drawn, appeared so well-protected and skillful that Aśvatthāman (Droṇa’s son) could not find any vulnerability to exploit—an occurrence described as astonishing.