Shloka 46
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
शिखण्डी समरे राजन् द्रौणिमभ्युद्ययौ बली । अश्वत्थामा ततः क्रुद्ध/ शिखण्डिनमुपस्थितम्
sañjaya uvāca | śikhaṇḍī samare rājan drauṇim abhyudyayau balī | aśvatthāmā tataḥ kruddhaḥ śikhaṇḍinam upasthitam |
Disse Sañjaya: Ó Rei, no campo de batalha o valente Śikhaṇḍī avançou contra o filho de Droṇa. Então Aśvatthāmā, tomado de ira, veio enfrentar Śikhaṇḍī que se aproximava.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger (krodha) can seize even great warriors, pushing them into escalating violence. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, battlefield duty exists, yet loss of inner restraint distorts judgment and intensifies suffering.
Sañjaya reports to the king that Śikhaṇḍī advances to engage Aśvatthāmā (Droṇa’s son). Aśvatthāmā becomes enraged and confronts the approaching Śikhaṇḍī, setting up a direct duel within the larger Kurukṣetra battle.