Shloka 40
Nārāyaṇāstra-utpātaḥ — Aśvatthāman’s Rallying Roar after Droṇa’s Fall (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय १६७)
स च्छिन्नधन्वा विरथ: शीर्णवर्मा शरार्दित: । अपायासीदू रणात् तूर्ण धर्मपुत्रो युधिष्ठिर:,इस प्रकार धनुष कट जाने, रथ नष्ट होने और कवच छित्न-भिन्न हो जानेपर बाणोंसे पीड़ित हुए धर्मपुत्र युधिष्ठिर तुरंत ही युद्धसे पलायन कर गये
sa cchinnadhanvā virathaḥ śīrṇavarmā śarārditaḥ | apāyāsīd raṇāt tūṛṇaṃ dharmaputro yudhiṣṭhiraḥ ||
ଏପରି ଧନୁ କଟିଯିବା, ରଥ ନଷ୍ଟ ହେବା, କବଚ ଛିନ୍ନଭିନ୍ନ ହେବା ଓ ବାଣବିଦ୍ଧ ଯନ୍ତ୍ରଣାରେ ପୀଡିତ ହୋଇ ଧର୍ମପୁତ୍ର ଯୁଧିଷ୍ଠିର ତୁରନ୍ତ ରଣଭୂମିରୁ ପଛକୁ ହଟିଗଲେ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that dharma in war is not merely heroic persistence; when one is disarmed and unprotected, retreat can be a pragmatic choice to preserve life and continue one’s broader responsibility. It also reminds that righteousness does not grant invulnerability—ethical agents still face physical limits.
Sañjaya reports that Yudhiṣṭhira’s bow has been cut, his chariot is lost, his armour is broken, and he is wounded by arrows; therefore he swiftly withdraws from the battle.