Adhyāya 104 — Śikhaṇḍin-puraskāraḥ (Śikhaṇḍin as Vanguard) and Bhīṣma’s Counter-Advance
रथं तत्रैव संत्यज्य प्राद्रवन्महतो भयात् । अपनी माया नष्ट हो जानेपर सायकोंकी मार खाता हुआ राक्षस अलम्बुष अत्यन्त भयके कारण अपने रथको वहीं छोड़कर भाग गया
rathaṁ tatraiva saṁtyajya prādravan mahato bhayāt |
ସଞ୍ଜୟ କହିଲେ—ଭୟଙ୍କର ଭୟରେ ସେ ସେଠାରେଇ ନିଜ ରଥକୁ ତ୍ୟାଗ କରି ପଳାଇଗଲା। ନିଜ ମାୟା ନଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଯିବା ପରେ ଓ ବାଣପ୍ରହାର ଖାଇଖାଇ ରାକ୍ଷସ ଅଲମ୍ବୁଷ ସମରମଧ୍ୟରେ ଲଜ୍ଜାଜନକ ପଳାୟନକୁ ବାଧ୍ୟ ହେଲା।
संजय उवाच
When reliance on illusion or trickery collapses, inner weakness is exposed; fear can drive one to abandon duty and honour. The verse highlights the ethical contrast between steadfastness under pressure and a panic-driven retreat.
In the midst of battle, the combatant—overwhelmed by intense fear—leaves his chariot where it stands and runs away, indicating a sudden rout under attack and loss of composure.