Shloka 7
अध्याय ३: कृपस्य दुर्योधनं प्रति नीत्युपदेशः
Kṛpa’s Counsel to Duryodhana
अनाथा नाथमिच्छन्तो मृगा: सिंहार्दिता इव । भग्नशृड्भरा इव वृषा: शीर्णदंष्टा इवोरगा:,हम अनाथ होकर कोई रक्षक चाहते थे। हमारी दशा सिंहके सताये हुए मृगों, टूटे सींगवाले बैलों तथा जिनके दाँत तोड़ लिये गये हों उन सर्पोंकी तरह हो रही थी
anāthā nātham icchanto mṛgāḥ siṁhārditā iva | bhagnaśṛṅgadharā iva vṛṣāḥ śīrṇadaṁṣṭā ivoragāḥ ||
サンジャヤは言った。「守る者を失い、われらは守護者を渇望した。われらの有様は、獅子に追い立てられる鹿の群れのよう—角を折られた牡牛のよう—毒牙を砕かれた蛇のようであった。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and psychological need for rightful protection and leadership: when a community loses its capable guardian, it becomes vulnerable and demoralized, like prey before a predator. It implicitly stresses the dharmic duty of a leader to provide refuge and stability, especially amid war.
Sañjaya describes the Kaurava side’s helplessness and fear, portraying them as seeking a protector after being battered in battle. He uses vivid similes—deer attacked by a lion, horn-broken bulls, and fangless serpents—to convey their weakened, defenseless state.