Shloka 286
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 |
Disse Sañjaya: Tomado por grande temor, abandonou sua carruagem ali mesmo e fugiu. Tendo sua magia sido destruída e sendo açoitado pelas flechas, o rākṣasa Alambusha, dominado pelo pânico, deixou o carro no campo de batalha e retirou-se de modo desonroso em meio ao combate.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
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.