Shloka 543
धृष्टद्युम्नस्य द्रोणरथारोহণं सात्यकेः प्रतिरक्षणं च | Dhrishtadyumna Boards Droṇa’s Chariot; Sātyaki’s Counter-Protection
उपायान्तं रिपून् हत्वा सोड्द्य मां कि न पश्यति । “जब मैं शत्रुओंको मारकर शिविरको लौटता था, उस समय जो प्रतिदिन प्रसन्नचित्त हो आगे बढ़कर मेरा अभिनन्दन करता था, वह अभिमन्यु आज मुझे क्यों नहीं देख रहा है?
upāyāntaṃ ripūn hatvā so ’dya māṃ kiṃ na paśyati |
Sañjaya said: “After slaying the foes and returning to the camp, he who used to come forward each day with a joyful heart to greet me—why does that Abhimanyu not look upon me today?”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the human cost of war: even the victorious return from battle is hollow when loved ones are lost. It underscores the ethical tension in kṣatriya duty—slaying enemies may be ‘dharma’ in war, yet it cannot shield one from grief and the fragility of life.
In the aftermath of Abhimanyu’s death, a warrior (as conveyed by Sañjaya) recalls how Abhimanyu used to joyfully come forward daily to greet him upon his return from fighting. Now, Abhimanyu’s absence is felt as a painful silence—he no longer comes to see or welcome him.