Shloka 7
अध्याय ३: कृपस्य दुर्योधनं प्रति नीत्युपदेशः
Kṛpa’s Counsel to Duryodhana
अनाथा नाथमिच्छन्तो मृगा: सिंहार्दिता इव । भग्नशृड्भरा इव वृषा: शीर्णदंष्टा इवोरगा:,हम अनाथ होकर कोई रक्षक चाहते थे। हमारी दशा सिंहके सताये हुए मृगों, टूटे सींगवाले बैलों तथा जिनके दाँत तोड़ लिये गये हों उन सर्पोंकी तरह हो रही थी
anāthā nātham icchanto mṛgāḥ siṁhārditā iva | bhagnaśṛṅgadharā iva vṛṣāḥ śīrṇadaṁṣṭā ivoragāḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Tanpa pelindung, kami mendambakan seorang pelindung. Keadaan kami seperti rusa yang diburu singa—seperti lembu jantan yang patah tanduknya—seperti ular yang hancur taring bisanya.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and psychological need for rightful protection and leadership: when a community loses its capable guardian, it becomes vulnerable and demoralized, like prey before a predator. It implicitly stresses the dharmic duty of a leader to provide refuge and stability, especially amid war.
Sañjaya describes the Kaurava side’s helplessness and fear, portraying them as seeking a protector after being battered in battle. He uses vivid similes—deer attacked by a lion, horn-broken bulls, and fangless serpents—to convey their weakened, defenseless state.