Shloka 78
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
स च्छिन्नथन्वा विरथ: स्वधर्ममनुपालयन्
sa cchinnadhanvā virathaḥ svadharmam anupālayan
ಸಂಜಯನು ಹೇಳಿದನು—ಬಿಲ್ಲು ಕತ್ತರಿಸಲ್ಪಟ್ಟು ರಥವಿಲ್ಲದವನಾದರೂ, ಅವನು ತನ್ನ ಸ್ವಧರ್ಮವನ್ನು ಪಾಲಿಸುತ್ತಲೇ ಇದ್ದನು; ರಣಮಧ್ಯೆ ಕ್ಷಾತ್ರಧರ್ಮದಿಂದ ಅವನು ಹಿಂದೆ ಸರಲಿಲ್ಲ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in svadharma: even when external supports (weapon, chariot, advantage) are lost, one should continue to act according to rightful duty and inner discipline, especially in a role-bound context like a kṣatriya in war.
Sañjaya reports that a warrior, though rendered chariotless and with his bow cut, does not withdraw; he continues fighting and conducting himself in accordance with his warrior-duty.