Shloka 43
अर्जुनस्य गुरुधर्मविलापः तथा शैनेयकर्णयोर्युद्धारम्भः | Arjuna’s Lament on Guru-Dharma and the Opening of the Sātyaki–Karṇa Duel
पतिते सारथौ तस्मिंस्तव पुत्ररथ: प्रभो
patite sārathau tasmiṁs tava putrarathaḥ prabho
サンジャヤは言った。「主君よ、その御者が倒れたとき、そなたの子の戦車は重大な危機のただ中に置かれた。」戦においては、導き支える者—とりわけ手綱を取り戦車を安定させる者—が失われれば、いかなる強者もたちまち隙をさらすことを示している。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that power in battle is not only personal heroism: it depends on sustaining supports—guidance, coordination, and loyal service. Ethically, it reminds the listener that the fall of a ‘supporting’ person can decisively change outcomes, revealing the fragility of pride and the importance of responsible leadership that values every role.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that a charioteer has fallen, and as a result ‘your son’s chariot’ is left exposed. The statement signals a turning point in the immediate combat situation, where the loss of the charioteer threatens the warrior’s safety and tactical control.