Shloka 3
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
ततः सरथनागाश्वा: समकम्पन्त सूंजया: । मृत्योरास्यमनुप्राप्तं मेनिरे च युधिष्ठिरम्,यह देख सूंजयवीर रथ, हाथी और घोड़ोंसहित काँप उठे। उन्होंने युधिष्ठिरको मौतके मुखमें पड़ा हुआ ही समझा
tataḥ sa-ratha-nāgāśvāḥ samakampanta sūñjayāḥ | mṛtyor āsyam anuprāptaṃ menire ca yudhiṣṭhiram ||
ଏହା ଦେଖି ସୃଞ୍ଜୟମାନେ ରଥ, ହାତୀ ଓ ଘୋଡ଼ା ସହିତ କମ୍ପି ଉଠିଲେ। ସେମାନେ ଯୁଧିଷ୍ଠିରଙ୍କୁ ମୃତ୍ୟୁର ମୁହଁରେ ପଡ଼ିଗଲେ ବୋଲି ଭାବିଲେ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how fear and uncertainty in war can distort judgment: observers may prematurely assume a righteous leader’s defeat or death. Ethically, it cautions against letting panic become certainty and reminds that dharma must be upheld even amid terrifying appearances.
Sañjaya reports that the Sṛñjaya forces, along with their war equipment and mounts, tremble on seeing Yudhiṣṭhira’s perilous situation. They believe he has effectively entered the 'mouth of death,' implying he is surrounded or overwhelmed in battle.