Shloka 68
धृष्टद्युम्नस्य द्रोणरथारोহণं सात्यकेः प्रतिरक्षणं च | Dhrishtadyumna Boards Droṇa’s Chariot; Sātyaki’s Counter-Protection
एषा वै युध्यमानानां शूराणामनिवर्तिनाम् । विहिता सर्वशास्त्रज्जैगतिर्मतिमतां वर,“बुद्धिमानोंमें श्रेष्ठ वीर! जो युद्धसे कभी पीछे नहीं हटते हैं, उन युद्धपरायण शूरवीरोंके लिये सम्पूर्ण शास्त्रज्ञोंने यही गति निश्चित की है
eṣā vai yudhyamānānāṁ śūrāṇām anivartinām | vihitā sarvaśāstrajñair gatiḥ matimatāṁ vara ||
Sañjaya said: “This indeed is the ordained destiny for heroic warriors who stand firm in battle and never turn back. All who know the śāstras have determined this as the proper course—O best among the wise.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse affirms a śāstra-endorsed ethical ideal for kṣatriya warriors: steadfastness in righteous battle. For those who fight without retreat, the tradition recognizes a sanctioned ‘gati’—a proper and honored outcome—grounded in authoritative teaching rather than mere personal opinion.
Sañjaya, narrating the battlefield events to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, comments on the accepted fate or proper end for unwavering heroes engaged in combat. His statement functions as a moral framing of the warriors’ conduct amid the intense fighting in Droṇa Parva.