Shloka 123
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 49: Yudhiṣṭhira’s Lament and Strategic Foreboding after Abhimanyu’s Fall
उत्तिष्ठमानं सौभद्रं गदया मूर्थ््यताडयत् । तत्पश्चात् कुरुकुलकी कीर्ति बढ़ानेवाले दुःशासनपुत्रने पहले उठकर उठते हुए सुभद्राकुमारके मस्तकपर गदाका प्रहार किया
uttiṣṭhamānaṃ saubhadraṃ gadayā mūrdhni atāḍayat | tatpaścāt kurukulakīrtiṃ vardhayituṃ duḥśāsanaputro 'gra uttiṣṭhantam eva subhadrākumārasya mūrdhni gadā-prahāram akarot ||
サンジャヤは言った。スバドラーの子アビマンニュが起き上がろうとしたその時、頭上に棍棒（ガダー）の一撃を受けた。さらにその後、俱盧の名声を高めんとするドゥフシャーサナの子は先に立ち上がり、若者がなお起き上がる最中に、スバドラーの子の頭へ棍棒の打撃を浴びせた。この場面は、戦の残酷な機会主義を示す。相手の隙、弱り目を打ってなお「武勇」を名乗ることができるという現実が、称えられるクシャトリヤの名誉と、無慈悲な戦争の実相との間に鋭い倫理的緊張を生むのである。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral strain of warfare: the pursuit of kīrti (fame) and clan-glory can drive actions that appear to violate ideals of fair combat. It invites reflection on how dharma is tested when victory and reputation become overriding motives.
Sañjaya narrates that Abhimanyu (Saubhadra), while attempting to rise, is struck on the head with a mace. The son of Duḥśāsana is specifically described as delivering this blow, framing it as an act meant to enhance Kuru renown.