Shloka 40
Chapter 23: Śakuni Reports, Kaurava Advance, and Arjuna’s Penetration of the Host
ततस्तु सौबलो राजन्नभ्यतिक्रम्य पाण्डवान् | जघान पृष्ठतः सेनां जयगृद्धः प्रतापवान्,राजन! उधर विजयाभिलाषी प्रतापी सुबलपुत्र शकुनि पाण्डवोंका उल्लंघन करके पीछेकी ओरसे उनकी सेनाका संहार कर रहा था
tatastu saubalo rājann abhyatikramya pāṇḍavān | jaghāna pṛṣṭhataḥ senāṃ jayagṛddhaḥ pratāpavān ||
Sañjaya berkata: Kemudian, wahai Raja, Śakuni putera Subala melangkaui barisan Pāṇḍava lalu menghentam bala mereka dari belakang. Gagah lagi rakus akan kemenangan, dia menabur kebinasaan dengan serangan dari arah belakang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the craving for victory (jayagṛddhatā) can drive warriors toward ruthless tactics such as striking from behind. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical landscape, such actions illustrate the erosion of restraint and fair conduct in war, prompting reflection on how ambition can override dharma.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Śakuni (called Saubala) crossed past the Pāṇḍavas and attacked their forces from the rear, causing heavy destruction. It depicts a tactical maneuver aimed at breaking the enemy formation by assaulting the back lines.