Shloka 35
Ghaṭotkaca Slays Alāyudha (Night Battle and Māyā Countermeasures) / घटोत्कचेन अलायुधवधः
राजन ब्रूया: सुतं मे त्वमश्व॒त्थामानमाहवे । न सोमकाः: प्रमोक्तव्या जीवितं परिरक्षता,राजन! तुम मेरे पुत्र अश्वत्थामासे जाकर कहना कि “वह युद्धमें अपने जीवनकी रक्षा करते हुए जैसे भी हो, सोमकोंको जीवित न छोड़े”
rājan brūyāḥ sutaṃ me tvam aśvatthāmānam āhave | na somakāḥ pramoktavyā jīvitaṃ parirakṣatā ||
ସଞ୍ଜୟ କହିଲେ—ହେ ରାଜନ୍! ତୁମେ ଯୁଦ୍ଧଭୂମିକୁ ଯାଇ ମୋ ପୁତ୍ର ଅଶ୍ୱତ୍ଥାମାକୁ କହ—“ନିଜ ପ୍ରାଣ ରକ୍ଷା କରୁଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ସୋମକମାନଙ୍କୁ କାହାକୁ ଜୀବନ୍ତ ଛାଡ଼ିବ ନାହିଁ।”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how ethical boundaries can collapse in wartime: ‘self-preservation’ is framed not as a reason for restraint but as a means to carry out uncompromising violence. It serves as a cautionary moment about vengeance-driven commands and the erosion of dharma under rage and fear.
Sañjaya reports an instruction directed to Aśvatthāmā in the midst of battle: he is to ensure that the Somakas are not spared, even while he protects his own life. The statement reflects escalating brutality in the Drona Parva’s later conflict.