Shloka 246
Adhyāya 107 — बहुयुद्धप्रकरणम्
Multiple Defensive Engagements to Protect Bhīṣma
अपायाज्जवनैरश्वै: पूर्ववैरमनुस्मरन् । इस प्रकार युद्धके मुहानेपर द्रोणाचार्यसे पीड़ित हो राजा ट्रुपद पूर्व वैरका स्मरण करते हुए शीघ्रगामी घोड़ोंद्वारा वहाँसे भाग गये
apāyāj javanair aśvaiḥ pūrvavairam anusmaran |
Sañjaya disse: “Lembrando a antiga inimizade, o rei Drupada —afligido por Droṇācārya à beira mesma da batalha— fugiu daquele lugar com cavalos velozes. O verso ressalta como a hostilidade não resolvida e as mágoas do passado podem levar a uma retirada temerosa, mesmo quando o momento exige firmeza na guerra e no dever.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical danger of clinging to past enmity: remembrance of old hostility (pūrvavaira) can cloud judgment and weaken resolve, leading to fear-driven action at critical moments.
On the battlefield, Drupada is pressed hard by Droṇa. Recalling their earlier feud, he retreats from the front and escapes quickly using swift horses.