Shloka 99
वासवी-शक्तेः प्रयोगः, घटोत्कच-वधोत्तर-शोकः, व्यासोपदेशश्च
The Vāsavī Spear’s Use, Post-Ghaṭotkaca Grief, and Vyāsa’s Counsel
तिष्ठ तिष्ठ न मे जीवन द्रोणपुत्र गमिष्यसि । युद्धश्रद्धामहं तेड्द्य विनेष्यामि रणाजिरे
tiṣṭha tiṣṭha na me jīvan droṇaputra gamiṣyasi | yuddhaśraddhām ahaṃ te 'dya vineṣyāmi raṇājire ||
Sañjaya said: “Stand—stand! You shall not depart alive, O son of Droṇa. Today, on the battlefield, I will shatter your confidence in war.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the warrior ethic where victory is pursued not only by weapons but also by breaking the opponent’s morale (yuddhaśraddhā). Ethically, it reflects how anger and vengeance can drive speech and intent in war, raising questions about restraint and dharma amid violence.
In the Drona Parva battle narrative, a warrior confronts Droṇa’s son Aśvatthāman, challenging him to stop and declaring an intention to kill him and crush his martial confidence on the battlefield; Sañjaya reports this exchange as part of the unfolding combat.