Shloka 1106
Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
अश्वत्थामा महाराज व्यचरत् कृतहस्तवत् | महाराज! उससे सारे शिविरमें उजाला हो गया और उस उजालेमें पिताको आनन्दित करनेवाला अभश्व॒त्थामा हाथमें खड़ग लिये एक सिद्धहस्त योद्धाकी भाँति बेखटके विचरने लगा
aśvatthāmā mahārāja vyacarat kṛtahastavat |
Sañjaya said: “O King, Aśvatthāmā moved about like a warrior of proven skill. As he ranged through the entire camp, it became lit up; and in that light, Aśvatthāmā—delighting his father—wandered fearlessly, sword in hand, like one whose hand is perfected in battle.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights martial competence and fearlessness, but within the Sauptika context it also sharpens the ethical tension: skill and resolve can be used for grievous wrongdoing when driven by rage, vengeance, or misguided loyalty. Prowess is not itself dharma; intention and the righteousness of the act determine moral standing.
Sañjaya describes Aśvatthāmā roaming through the sleeping camp with a drawn sword. The camp is said to be illuminated, and Aśvatthāmā moves about confidently like an expert warrior, portrayed as acting in a way that would please his father Droṇa—foreshadowing the violent events of the night attack.