Shloka 50
अभिमन्यु–अलम्बुसयुद्धम् / The Duel of Abhimanyu and Alambusa
with Arjuna’s approach to Bhīṣma
एवं तव बल सर्व हैडिम्बेन दुरात्मना । सूर्यास्तमनवेलायां प्रभग्नं विद्रुतं दिश:,चारों ओर शंख और दुन्दुभि आदि बाजे जोर-जोरसे बजने लगे। इस प्रकार सूर्यास्तके समय दुरात्मा घटोत्कचसे खदेड़ी गयी आपकी सारी सेना सम्पूर्ण दिशाओंमें भाग गयी
evaṁ tava balaṁ sarvaṁ haiḍimbenā durātmanā | sūryāstamanavelāyāṁ prabhagnaṁ vidrutaṁ diśaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Thus, at the time of sunset, all your forces were shattered and put to flight by the wicked Haiḍimba (Ghaṭotkaca), scattering in every direction. The scene underscores how arrogance and reliance on mere numbers collapse when confronted by a formidable, divinely-favored adversary in the chaos of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Military power without steadiness and right judgment is fragile; when fear spreads, even a vast army can collapse. The verse highlights the ethical and psychological dimension of war—morale and inner resolve often decide outcomes as much as weapons.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that at sunset Ghaṭotkaca (called Haiḍimba) has broken the Kaurava forces, causing them to flee in all directions, amid the tumult of battle sounds.