Shloka 173
नारायणास्त्र-शमनं द्रौणि-प्रहारश्च
Pacification of the Nārāyaṇāstra and Drauni’s Renewed Assault
अपोवाह रथेनाशु सारथिध्व॑जिनीमुखात् । निष्पाप नरेश! आपके सालेको बेहोश पड़ा देख सारथि रथके द्वारा शीघ्र ही उसे सेनाके आगेसे दूर हटा ले गया
apovāha rathenāśu sārathidhvajinīmukhāt | niṣpāpa nareśa! āpake sāleko behōś paṛā dekh sārathi rathake dvārā śīghra hī use senāke āgesē dūra haṭā le gayā |
Sañjaya said: Seeing your brother-in-law lying unconscious, O sinless king, the charioteer swiftly carried him away in the chariot from the very front of the army, removing him from immediate danger. The act reflects the battlefield ethic of preserving life where possible, even amid relentless combat.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, attendants and allies have a duty to protect and evacuate those who are incapacitated; compassion and practical care can coexist with martial duty.
Sañjaya reports that a charioteer, seeing the king’s brother-in-law unconscious, quickly drives the chariot to remove him from the army’s front line to safety.