Shloka 55
Adhyāya 104 — Śikhaṇḍin-puraskāraḥ (Śikhaṇḍin as Vanguard) and Bhīṣma’s Counter-Advance
दृष्टवा पुत्रं च तं ग्रस्तं राहुणेव निशाकरम् । अभ्यद्रवत शैनेयं भारद्वाज: प्रतापवान्,जैसे राहु चन्द्रमाको ग्रस लेता है, उसी प्रकार सात्यकिके द्वारा अपने पुत्रपर ग्रहण लगा हुआ देख प्रतापी द्रोणाचार्यने उनके ऊपर धावा किया
dṛṣṭvā putraṃ ca taṃ grastaṃ rāhuṇeva niśākaram | abhyadravata śaineyaṃ bhāradvājaḥ pratāpavān ||
दृष्ट्वा पुत्रं च तं ग्रस्तं राहुणेव निशाकरम् । अभ्यद्रवत शैनेयं भारद्वाजः प्रतापवान् ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how powerful personal bonds—especially a father’s concern for his son—can intensify action in war, sometimes overriding calm judgment. It invites reflection on dharma under pressure: duty and affection often collide, and one must recognize the forces that drive one’s choices.
Sañjaya narrates that Drona sees his son (Aśvatthāman) being overpowered by Śaineya (Sātyaki). Comparing it to Rāhu eclipsing the moon, he describes Drona’s immediate response: he rushes to attack Sātyaki to rescue or relieve his son.