Shloka 22
विह्नलं तूर्णमुद्भ्रान्तं सभयं भारतातुरम्,तावेवान्ये समासाद्य जम्मुर्वैवस्वतक्षयम् । भारत! उस समय द्रोणाचार्य और अर्जुन--इन दो वीरोंको छोड़कर शेष सारी सेना तुरंत विह्लल, उदभ्रानन््त, भयभीत और आतुर हो गयी। वे ही दोनों अपने-अपने पक्षके योद्धाओंके लिये छिपनेके स्थान थे और वे ही पीड़ितोंके आश्रय बने हुए थे। परंतु विपक्षी योद्धा इन्हीं दोनोंक समीप जाकर यमलोक पहुँच जाते थे
vihvalaṁ tūrṇam udbhrāntaṁ sabhayaṁ bhāratāturam | tāv evānye samāsādya jagmur vaivasvatakṣayam ||
Sañjaya said: Except for Droṇācārya and Arjuna, the rest of the army at once became bewildered, panic-stricken, fearful, and distressed, O Bhārata. Those two alone stood as a refuge and shelter for the warriors of their respective sides; yet the opposing fighters, on approaching either of them, were driven to the abode of Yama—death itself—so overwhelming was their prowess.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary martial excellence can become both refuge and peril: great leaders steady their own side in crisis, yet for opponents their very presence can mean certain death. Ethically, it underscores the harsh reality of kṣatriya warfare—courage and protection for one’s own, lethal consequence for the foe.
Sañjaya reports that the armies, overwhelmed by the intensity of battle, fall into panic and confusion. Only Droṇa and Arjuna remain as firm supports for their respective forces; however, enemy warriors who attempt to close with either of them are slain—figuratively ‘reaching Yama’s abode’.