Shloka 786
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
स्वरथं पृष्ठतः कृत्वा युद्धायैव व्यवस्थित: । धनुष कट जाने तथा रथहीन होनेपर भी स्वधर्मका पालन करते हुए भीमसेन अपने रथको पीछे करके युद्धके लिये ही खड़े रहे
svarathaṃ pṛṣṭhataḥ kṛtvā yuddhāyaiva vyavasthitaḥ |
Sañjaya said: Having turned his own chariot to the rear, he stood firmly resolved for battle alone—remaining steadfast in the duty of a warrior even when deprived of the support of a chariot, choosing dharma over retreat.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfast adherence to svadharma (one’s rightful duty): even when circumstances are unfavorable, a warrior upholds responsibility and moral resolve rather than yielding to fear or confusion.
Sañjaya describes a combatant repositioning his own chariot to the rear and then standing prepared for battle, emphasizing determined readiness and refusal to abandon the fight.