Shloka 11
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
' आत्मा रक्ष्यो रणे तात सर्वावस्थास्वरिंदम । धर्मराजेन संग्रामस्त्वया कार्य: सदानघ,कथयामास दुर्धर्षो विनि:श्वस्य पुनः पुनः । संजय कहते हैं--महाराज! शत्रुओंको संताप देनेवाला राजा दुर्योधन उस महान् युद्धमें एक राक्षसके द्वारा प्राप्त हुई अपनी पराजयको नहीं सह सका। उसने गंगानन्दन भीष्मजीके पास जाकर उन्हें विनीतभावसे प्रणाम करनेके पश्चात् सारा वृत्तान्त यथावत् रूपसे कह सुनाया। उस दुर्धर्ष वीरने बारंबार लम्बी साँस खींचकर घटोत्कचकी विजय और अपनी पराजयकी कथा कही “तात! शत्रुदमन! तुम युद्धमें सदा अपनी रक्षा करो। अनघ! तुम्हें सदा धर्मराज युधिष्ठिरसे ही संग्राम करना चाहिये
sañjaya uvāca | ātmā rakṣyo raṇe tāta sarvāvasthā-svarindama | dharmarājena saṅgrāmas tvayā kāryaḥ sadānagha | kathayāmāsa durdharṣo viniḥśvasyā punaḥ punaḥ |
Sanjaya said: “O King, O subduer of foes—guard yourself in battle in every condition. O blameless one, you must always direct your fighting against Dharmaraja (Yudhisthira).” Having said this, the hard-to-overcome (Duryodhana) repeatedly heaved deep sighs, recounting again and again the tale of his defeat and the enemy’s victory—unable to bear the humiliation he had suffered in that great conflict.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes prudence and self-preservation in warfare—‘protect yourself in every situation’—and frames combat as purposeful rather than reckless, directing effort toward the principal opponent (Dharmaraja/Yudhisthira). It reflects the ethical tension of kshatriya duty: fight, but with disciplined strategy and awareness of consequences.
Sanjaya reports that the formidable Duryodhana, distressed by a recent setback, repeatedly sighs and recounts the episode of defeat and the enemy’s success. In this context, counsel is voiced: remain guarded in battle and focus the fight against Yudhisthira, indicating a strategic reorientation after humiliation.