Shloka 11
Duryodhana’s Anxiety, Bhīṣma’s Reassurance, and Renewed Mobilization (दुर्योधनचिन्ता–भीष्मप्रत्याश्वासन–सेनानिर्गमनम्)
तथैव च शरान् द्रौणि: प्रविमुज्चन्नविह्नल: । तस्थौ स समरे राजंस्त्रातुमिच्छन् महाव्रतम्,राजन! द्रोणकुमार तनिक भी विह्नलल हुए बिना ही पूर्ववत् समरभूमिमें बाणोंकी वर्षा करता रहा और अपने महान् व्रतकी रक्षाकी इच्छासे समरांगणमें डटा रहा
tathaiva ca śarān drauṇiḥ pravimuñcann avihvalaḥ | tasthau sa samare rājan trātum icchan mahāvratam ||
Sañjaya berkata: Namun demikian, putera Droṇa (Aśvatthāmā) tidak tergoncang, dan terus melepaskan anak panah seperti sebelumnya. Wahai Raja, dia berdiri teguh di tengah pertempuran, berniat mempertahankan sumpah agungnya.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness under pressure: a warrior’s ethical self-conception is tied to keeping a solemn vow (vrata) and maintaining composure (avihvala) even amid chaos. It frames resolve as a moral force that sustains duty in war.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Aśvatthāman continues to rain arrows without faltering and remains planted in the battle, motivated by the desire to protect or uphold a significant vow he has undertaken.