Shloka 9
द्रोणविक्रमदर्शनम् / The Display of Droṇa’s Onslaught and the Debate on Pāṇḍava Regrouping
द्रोणस्तु तत् समालोक्य चरितं तस्य संयुगे । मनसा चिन्तयामास प्राप्तकालमरिंदम:,तब शत्रुओंका दमन करनेवाले द्रोणाचार्यने युद्धस्थलमें उसका वह पराक्रम देख मन- ही-मन समयोचित कर्तव्यका चिन्तन किया
droṇas tu tat samālokya caritaṁ tasya saṁyuge | manasā cintayāmāsa prāptakālam ariṁdamaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing that warrior’s conduct and prowess on the battlefield, Droṇācārya—the subduer of foes—reflected inwardly on what action was timely and fitting to the moment.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prudent leadership: after witnessing an opponent’s prowess, a commander should pause for inner deliberation and choose the action that is prāptakāla—ethically and strategically appropriate to the time and circumstance—rather than reacting impulsively.
Sañjaya narrates that Droṇa observes a warrior’s notable performance in the ongoing battle and then mentally considers what should be done next, indicating a shift from mere observation to strategic decision-making.