Mahabharata 7.17.39 — Drona Parva, Adhyaya 17, Shloka 39
Saṃśaptakas in Candrārdha-vyūha; Arjuna’s Devadatta and the Traigarta Rout
Chapter 17
आहूतो न निवर्तेयमिति मे व्रतमाहितम् । संशप्तकाश्न मां राजन्नाह्नयन्ति महामूथे
āhūto na nivarteyam iti me vratam āhitam | saṁśaptakāś ca māṁ rājan āhvayanti mahāyuddhe ||
आहूतो न निवर्तेयम् इति मे व्रतमाहितम्। संशप्तकाः मां राजन् आह्वयन्ति महामृधे।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of a vrata (solemn vow): once a warrior has bound himself by honor and duty, he treats a direct challenge as a moral obligation, valuing steadfastness and truthfulness even amid the dangers of war.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that he has adopted a firm resolve not to retreat when summoned to combat, and that the Saṁśaptakas—warriors known for fighting under a binding oath—are calling him into the great battle.
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