Shloka 36
अध्याय ९९ — युयुधान-दुःशासन-युद्धम्
Chapter 99: Sātyaki and Duḥśāsana’s engagement
ततः सर्वे रथास्तूर्ण पाञज्चाल्या जयगृद्धिन: । सात्वताभिस्ते द्रोणे धृष्टद्युम्नमवाक्षिपन्,जब द्रोणाचार्य सात्यकिके साथ उलझ गये, तब विजयाभिलाषी समस्त पांचाल रथी तुरंत ही धृष्टद्युम्मको अपने रथपर बिठाकर दूर हटा ले गये
tataḥ sarve rathās tūrṇaṃ pāñcālyā jayagṛddhinaḥ | sātvatebhis te droṇe dhṛṣṭadyumnam avākṣipan ||
Sañjaya said: Then all the Pāñcāla chariot-warriors, eager for victory, swiftly intervened. As Droṇa became entangled in combat with the Sātvata (Sātyaki), they lifted up Dhṛṣṭadyumna and removed him from that perilous press—an act of loyal protection amid the ruthless ethics of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, duty includes safeguarding one’s commander and comrades. The Pāñcālas prioritize collective responsibility—extracting Dhṛṣṭadyumna from immediate danger—showing that victory-seeking must still operate through loyalty, coordination, and protection of key leaders.
As Droṇa is engaged with the Sātvata hero Sātyaki, the Pāñcāla chariot-fighters quickly lift Dhṛṣṭadyumna onto a chariot and withdraw him from the dangerous clash, preventing him from being overwhelmed while the battle around Droṇa intensifies.