Shloka 6
द्रोणवध-प्रश्नः
Droṇa’s Fall: Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Inquiry
घा्मपत्रनिभांश्चाश्वान् मल्लिकाक्षान् स्वलंकृतान् | शैखण्डि: क्षत्रदेवस्तु स्वयं प्रत्वरयन् ययौ,शिखण्डीका पुत्र क्षत्रदेव, कमलपत्रके समान रंग तथा निर्मल नेत्रोंवाले सजे-सजाये घोड़ोंको स्वयं ही शीघ्रतापूर्वक हाँकता हुआ वहाँ आया
ghāmapatranibhāṁś cāśvān mallikākṣān svalaṅkṛtān | śaikhaṇḍiḥ kṣatradevas tu svayaṁ pratvarayan yayau ||
Sañjaya said: Shikhaṇḍī—also called Kṣatradeva—came there, himself urging on his well-adorned horses, lotus-leaf-hued in color and clear-eyed. In the midst of war, the verse highlights purposeful, self-driven action: a warrior does not merely command others but takes direct responsibility for swift execution of his intent.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a martial context, the verse underscores personal responsibility and decisive leadership: the warrior does not rely only on subordinates but personally ensures swift, disciplined action toward the chosen aim.
Sañjaya reports that Shikhaṇḍī (called Kṣatradeva) arrives, personally urging forward his decorated, lotus-hued, clear-eyed horses—signaling haste and readiness for immediate engagement in the battle.