Shloka 3
Nārāyaṇāstra-utpātaḥ — Aśvatthāman’s Rallying Roar after Droṇa’s Fall (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय १६७)
राज्ञस्ते वचनाद् राजन् पञज्चाला: सृञ्जयास्तथा । द्रोणमेवा भ्यवर्तन्त नदन्तो भैरवान् रवान्,राजन! राजा युधिष्ठिरके आदेशसे पांचाल और सूंजय भयानक गर्जना करते हुए द्रोणाचार्यपर ही टूट पड़े
rājñas te vacanād rājan pañcālāḥ sṛñjayās tathā | droṇam evābhyavartanta nadanto bhairavān ravān ||
Sanjaya said: O King, in obedience to your sovereign’s command, the Pañcālas and the Sṛñjayas surged straight toward Droṇa, roaring with dreadful cries. The verse underscores how royal orders and battlefield duty can drive even noble warriors into a fierce, single-minded assault, where loyalty and obligation intensify the violence of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension of kṣatriya life: obedience to legitimate command and loyalty to one’s side can compel warriors into extreme violence. It invites reflection on how authority and duty amplify collective action, for good or ill, especially in war.
Sanjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that, following the king’s command, the Pañcāla and Sṛñjaya warriors charge directly at Droṇa, shouting terrifying battle-cries, concentrating their attack upon him.