Shloka 3
द्रोणविक्रमदर्शनम् / The Display of Droṇa’s Onslaught and the Debate on Pāṇḍava Regrouping
दृष्टवा द्रोणं तत: शूर: सत्यजित् सत्यविक्रम: । युधिष्ठटिरमभिप्रेप्सुराचार्य समुपाद्रवत्
dṛṣṭvā droṇaṃ tataḥ śūraḥ satyajit satyavikramaḥ | yudhiṣṭhiram abhiprepsur ācāryaṃ samupādravat ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing Droṇa then, the heroic Satyajit—true to his name in valor—rushed straight toward the Teacher, intent on reaching Yudhiṣṭhira. The moment underscores how, amid the chaos of war, protecting the righteous king becomes a decisive duty, even when it means charging at a revered preceptor on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma under pressure: a warrior’s immediate duty may be to protect the rightful king and uphold the cause, even when confronting a revered teacher. It reflects the Mahābhārata’s ethical tension between reverence for the guru and obligation to one’s side and responsibility in war.
Sañjaya reports that Satyajit, a brave fighter, sees Droṇa on the battlefield and charges toward him, intent on reaching (and thereby safeguarding or supporting) Yudhiṣṭhira. The action signals an urgent tactical and protective move amid Droṇa’s threat.