Shloka 19
धृष्टद्युम्नस्य द्रोणरथारोহণं सात्यकेः प्रतिरक्षणं च | Dhrishtadyumna Boards Droṇa’s Chariot; Sātyaki’s Counter-Protection
मुखवर्णोडप्रसन्नो व: सर्वेषामेव लक्ष्यते । न चाभिमन्युं पश्यामि न च मां प्रतिनन्दथ,“आज आप सभी लोगोंके मुखकी कान्ति अप्रसन्न दिखायी दे रही है, इधर मैं अभिमन्युको नहीं देख पाता हूँ और आपलोग भी मुझसे प्रसन्नतापूर्वक वार्तालाप नहीं कर रहे हैं
mukhavarṇo 'prasanno vaḥ sarveṣām eva lakṣyate | na cābhimanyuṃ paśyāmi na ca māṃ pratinandatha ||
Sañjaya said: “The colour and expression of all your faces appear troubled and joyless. And I do not see Abhimanyu here; nor do you speak to me with the warmth of welcome.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how inner events—fear, grief, or moral shock—manifest outwardly in speech and facial expression. In a dharmic frame, truthful perception and honest inquiry are necessary when the community’s conduct changes, especially amid war where silence and avoidance often signal grave wrongdoing or loss.
Sañjaya observes that the assembled people look distressed and are not greeting him normally. He also notices Abhimanyu is absent. These signs prompt his anxious question, foreshadowing that something serious has occurred concerning Abhimanyu.