Shloka 5
Jayadrathasya śoka-bhaya-vilāpaḥ — Droṇena āśvāsanaṃ ca
Jayadratha’s lament and Droṇa’s reassurance
मया प्रोक्त: स संग्रामे द्वारं संजनयस्व नः । प्रविष्टेड भ्यन्तरे तस्मिन् सैन्धवेन निवारिता:
mayā proktaḥ sa saṅgrāme dvāraṃ sañjanayasva naḥ | praviṣṭe 'bhyantare tasmin saindhavena nivāritāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “I had pointed out to him, in the midst of battle, the ‘gate’—the opening by which our forces could be brought through. But when we had entered within that formation, we were checked and held back by Saindhava.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, even a well-identified strategic opening can be nullified by a single determined defender; it underscores the ethical weight of responsibility in leadership—plans must account for resistance, and outcomes hinge on both strategy and steadfast opposition.
Sañjaya reports that he indicated a crucial entry-point (‘gate’) in the battle array for their side to exploit, but once the troops moved inside, Saindhava (Jayadratha) blocked their advance and prevented them from proceeding.