Shloka 23
भीष्मरथाभिमुख्यं — Arjuna’s advance with Śikhaṇḍin; Duḥśāsana’s interception
सर्वलोकेश्चरा: शूरास्तत्र तत्र विशाम्पते । विप्रद्रुता व्यदृश्यन्त प्राकृता इव मानवा:
sañjaya uvāca | sarvalokeścarāḥ śūrās tatra tatra viśāmpate | vipradrutā vyadṛśyanta prākṛtā iva mānavāḥ ||
サञ्जयは語った。民の主よ、あらゆる世界に名高い英雄たちが、ここかしこで潰走し、逃げ散るのが見えた――まるで凡人のようであった。かくして、世に冠たる勇者と称えられた者でさえ、戦車を失い戦の圧に揺さぶられると、往時の輝きを失ったかのように混乱して走り回る。戦は位階をならし、人の脆さを露わにするのである。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the levelling power of calamity: even world-renowned heroes, when struck by fear, loss of support (such as chariots), or the tide of battle, can appear like ordinary people. Glory and status are contingent; steadiness and dharma are tested precisely under pressure.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that many celebrated warriors on the battlefield are scattered and fleeing in different directions. The scene emphasizes confusion and reversal in the midst of the Kurukṣetra war, where even famed champions are seen routed.