Mahabharata 7.17.8 — Drona Parva, Adhyaya 17, Shloka 8
Saṃśaptakas in Candrārdha-vyūha; Arjuna’s Devadatta and the Traigarta Rout
Chapter 17
अर्जुनेन विहीनस्तु यदि नोत्सूजते रणम् । मामुपायान्तमालोक्य गृहीतं विद्धि पाण्डवम्
arjunena vihīnastu yadi notsūjate raṇam | mām upāyāntam ālokya gṛhītaṃ viddhi pāṇḍavam ||
अर्जुनेन विहीनस्तु यदि नोत्सृजते रणम्, मामुपायान्तमालोक्य गृहीतं विद्धि पाण्डवम्।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how morale and strategic advantage in war hinge on key protectors: without Arjuna’s support, Yudhiṣṭhira becomes vulnerable. Ethically, it underscores the tension between steadfastness (not abandoning the field) and prudence (avoiding capture), showing how dharma in battle is tested by circumstance and counsel.
Sañjaya reports a tactical assessment: if Yudhiṣṭhira, separated from Arjuna, does not withdraw upon seeing the speaker advance, then he is likely to be captured. The line frames an imminent attempt to seize the Pandava leader by exploiting Arjuna’s absence.
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