Shloka 51
स्वान्यनीकानि बीभत्सु: शनकैरवहारयत् | तब द्रोणाचार्य और दुर्योधन आदिने अपनी सेनाको पीछे लौटा लिया। शत्रुओंका मन अब युद्धसे हट गया है और वे बहुत डर गये हैं, यह जानकर अर्जुनने भी धीरे-धीरे अपनी सेनाओंको युद्धभूमिसे हटा लिया ।। ततोऊभितुष्टवुः पार्थ प्रह्ष्टा: पाण्ड्संंजया:
svāny anīkāni bībhatsuḥ śanakair avahārayat | tato droṇācāryaḥ duryodhana-ādibhiḥ saha svāṁ senāṁ pratyāhārayat | śatrūṇāṁ mano ’dya yuddhāt nivṛttaṁ bhītaṁ ca iti jñātvā arjuno ’pi śanaiḥ śanaiḥ svāni balāni raṇabhūmeḥ apākarṣat || tato ’bhitustu vuḥ pārthaṁ prahṛṣṭāḥ pāṇḍu-sañjayāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing that the enemy’s resolve had slackened and that they were gripped by fear, Arjuna (Bībhatsu) gradually withdrew his own battle-formations from the field. Then Droṇācārya, along with Duryodhana and the others, also drew back their army. After this measured disengagement, the Pāṇḍava forces, delighted, praised Pārtha (Arjuna).
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined restraint in warfare: a leader should read the enemy’s morale and avoid needless escalation. Ethical command includes knowing when to disengage, preserving forces and preventing further harm when the opponent’s will to fight has already collapsed.
Sañjaya reports that Arjuna, recognizing the enemy’s fear and loss of resolve, slowly pulls back his formations. In response, Droṇa and Duryodhana also withdraw their troops. The Pāṇḍava side, pleased by Arjuna’s conduct and success, praises him.