Shloka 1013
Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
प्राद्रवन्त यथाशक्ति कांदिशीका विचेतस: । द्वारपाल दरवाजोंको और तम्बूकी रक्षा करनेवाले सैनिक तम्बुओंको छोड़कर यथाशक्ति भागने लगे। वे सब-के-सब अपनी सुध-बुध खो बैठे थे और यह भी नहीं जानते थे कि “उन्हें किस दिशामें भागकर जाना है”
prādravanta yathāśakti kāndiśīkā vicetasaḥ |
Disse Sañjaya: Os homens, aturdidos, fugiram com toda a força que tinham. Os guardas dos portões e os soldados encarregados de proteger as entradas e as tendas abandonaram seus postos e correram. Todos haviam perdido a presença de espírito, sem sequer saber “em que direção deveriam escapar”—imagem do pânico em que o dever desaba sob o terror.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how fear and shock can strip people of discernment (cetas) and make them abandon assigned duty; it serves as a moral-psychological warning that courage and clarity are essential for sustaining dharma in crisis.
During the chaos in the camp, the guards and protectors of the gates and tents lose their composure and flee in confusion, unable even to decide which direction to run.