Chapter 136: Pandava Counter-Encirclement and the Vāyavya-Astra Disruption
ततो दुर्योधनवच: श्रुत्वा भारत दुर्मुख:
tato duryodhanavacaḥ śrutvā bhārata durmukhaḥ
サञ्जयは語った。「そのとき、ああバーラタよ、ドゥルヨーダナの言葉を聞いたドゥルムカは答えた——主君への忠誠と、戦の道義的重圧のただ中で硬く固まってゆくカウラヴァ陣営の決意とが、その反応を形づくっていた。」
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights how speech and counsel in wartime quickly shape action: hearing a leader’s words prompts immediate response from followers, underscoring the ethical weight of leadership and the consequences of loyalty when dharma is under strain.
Sañjaya continues reporting to Dhṛtarāṣṭra: after Duryodhana speaks, the Kaurava warrior Durmukha hears him and is about to react or speak, marking a transition to Durmukha’s response within the unfolding battle episode.