Shloka 17
दुःशासन-सहदेव-संक्षोभः; भीम-राधेय-गदायुद्धम्; द्रोण-पार्थ-अस्त्रसंग्रामः
Duhshasana–Sahadeva Clash; Bhima–Karna Mace Exchange; Drona–Arjuna Astra Duel
द्रोणेन वार्यमाणास्ते स्वयं तव सुतेन च
droṇena vāryamāṇās te svayaṃ tava sutena ca
Though they were being restrained by Droṇa—and even by your own son himself—they persisted; the line underscores how the momentum of battle and personal resolve can press forward despite counsel and attempted restraint, raising questions of duty, obedience, and the limits of authority in war.
संयज उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension between rightful authority (a teacher/elder like Droṇa and a leader like the son) and the force of personal or collective resolve in wartime. It suggests that even legitimate restraint may fail when passions, vows, or perceived duty drive action, prompting reflection on when obedience is dharmic and when discernment must prevail.
In the midst of the Drona Parva battle narrative, certain warriors are described as being checked or held back by Droṇa and also by the listener’s son; despite these attempts, they continue in their course. The line functions as a brief report of attempted intervention amid rapidly unfolding combat.