Shloka 12
अध्याय ८८ — घटोत्कच-दुर्योधनयुद्धवर्णनम्
Ghaṭotkaca–Duryodhana Engagement
संवारयिष्णूनभिवारयित्वा मुहूर्तमायोध्य बलेन वीर: । उत्सृज्य राजानमनन्तवीर्यों जयद्रथादींश्व नृपान्ू महौजा:
saṃvārayiṣṇūn abhivārayitvā muhūrtam āyodhya balena vīraḥ | utsṛjya rājānam anantavīryo jayadrathādīṃś ca nṛpān mahaujāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: After checking those who were trying to hold him back, the heroic warrior fought for a short while with sheer strength. Then, releasing the king, that mighty one of endless valor went on to confront the princes beginning with Jayadratha. The scene underscores a warrior’s disciplined restraint—protecting his charge first—followed by resolute engagement against prominent foes in the press of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined martial duty: a warrior first neutralizes immediate threats and safeguards the king, then turns to face major adversaries—valor guided by responsibility rather than mere aggression.
Sañjaya describes a powerful hero who repels those trying to restrain him, fights briefly with force, then releases the king from his immediate protection/hold and advances to engage Jayadratha and other rulers in battle.