Shloka 52
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
एवमेते महाराज तावका: पाण्डवै: सह । पर्यवर्तन्त सहिता निशाकाले परंतप,शत्रुओंको संताप देनेवाले महाराज! इस प्रकार रातके समय आपके योद्धा पाण्डवोंके साथ अपने-अपने शिविरमें लौट आये
evam ete mahārāja tāvakāḥ pāṇḍavaiḥ saha | paryavartanta sahitā niśākāle paraṃtapa ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Wahai maharaja, pembakar musuh, demikianlah pada waktu malam para pahlawan tuanku, setelah berhadapan dengan Pāṇḍava, berundur bersama-sama dan kembali ke khemah masing-masing.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse is primarily narrative, but it implicitly highlights the discipline of armies and the practical ethics of warfare: when night falls, fighting pauses and forces regroup, emphasizing order, restraint, and accountability to command rather than uncontrolled violence.
Sañjaya reports to the king that the Kaurava troops, after engaging with the Pāṇḍavas, turned back together during the night and returned to their respective encampments.