Shloka 27
द्वैपायनह्रदे दुर्योधनान्वेषणम् / The Search for Duryodhana at Dvaipāyana Lake
एकादशचमूभर्ता पुत्रो दुर्योधनस्तव । गदामादाय तेजस्वी पदाति: प्रस्थितो हृदम्,जो किसी समय ग्यारह अक्षौहिणी सेनाका सेनापति था, वही आपका तेजस्वी पुत्र दुर्योधन अब गदा लेकर पैदल ही सरोवरकी ओर भागा जा रहा था
ekādaśacamūbhartā putro duryodhanas tava | gadām ādāya tejasvī padātiḥ prasthito hradam ||
Sañjaya said: Your son Duryodhana—once the commander who bore responsibility for the eleven battle-divisions—now, though still proud and radiant with martial spirit, took up his mace and went on foot toward the lake. The line underscores the moral reversal of war: a leader who once commanded vast forces is reduced to solitary flight, driven by fear, exhaustion, and the consequences of adharma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical irony of adharma in war: worldly power and command can collapse suddenly, leaving even a great leader isolated. It suggests that unrighteous choices and the momentum of violence culminate in loss of support, dignity, and security.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Duryodhana—formerly commander of the vast Kaurava host—has taken his mace and is moving on foot toward a lake, indicating retreat and a shift from commanding an army to seeking refuge.