Shloka 306
Chapter 30: Formation Disruption, Competing War-Cries, and Nīla’s Fall
Droṇa-parva
केचिद् दुर्योधन राजन्नर्धमाना: किरीटिना । राजन! किरीटधारी अर्जुनसे पीड़ित हो आपकी सेनाके कितने ही नरश्रेष्ठ द्रोणाचार्यके पीछे जा छिपे और कितने ही सैनिक राजा दुर्योधनके पास भाग गये
sañjaya uvāca | kecid duryodhana rājann ardhāmānāḥ kirīṭinā |
サンジャヤは言った。「ドゥルヨーダナ王よ、汝の軍の中には、冠を戴くアルジュナに追い立てられ、半ば気を失うほど打ちのめされた勇士たちがいた。恐怖と混乱のうちに、多くはドローナ・アーチャールヤの背後へ身を隠し、またある者は汝のもとへ逃げ帰った。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral-psychological reality of war: when courage collapses, even renowned warriors seek protection behind authority (Droṇa) or retreat to their commander (Duryodhana). It implicitly contrasts ideal kṣatriya steadiness with human fear under overwhelming force.
Sañjaya reports that Arjuna (called Kirīṭin) is pressing the Kaurava forces so hard that some become dazed and try to hide behind Droṇācārya, while others run back toward Duryodhana for safety and direction.