Shloka 34
नारायणास्त्र-शमनं द्रौणि-प्रहारश्च
Pacification of the Nārāyaṇāstra and Drauni’s Renewed Assault
पज्चाला: सोमकाश्वैव परिवद्रु: समनन््तत: । राजा द्रुपदके उस महारथी पुत्रको युद्धविमुख हुआ देख पांचालों और सोमकोंने उसे चारों ओरसे घेरकर अपने बीचमें कर लिया ।। ३३ $ || तथैव तव पुत्राश्न परिवद्र॒ुर्द्धिजोत्तमम्
pañcālāḥ somakāś caiva parivavruḥ samanantataḥ | rājā drupadakaḥ tasya mahārathī putraṃ yuddha-vimukhaṃ dṛṣṭvā pañcālāḥ somakāś ca enam caturdiśaṃ parivārya madhye cakruḥ ||
पाञ्चालाः सोमकाश्चैव समन्ततः पर्यवारयन्। द्रुपदपुत्रं महारथं युद्धाद् विमुखं दृष्ट्वा, सर्वतो वेष्टयित्वा मध्ये निन्युः—निवर्तयितुं पलायनं, स्वपक्षधर्मनियमं च पुनरास्थापयितुम्।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the battlefield context, the verse highlights the tension between personal wavering and collective duty: allies may restrain a warrior’s retreat to preserve morale, cohesion, and the perceived obligation to stand one’s ground in a righteous cause.
Sañjaya reports that the Pāñcālas and Somakas notice Drupada’s son, an elite chariot-warrior, turning away from combat; they immediately surround him from all sides and bring him into their midst, effectively preventing withdrawal and reasserting control within their formation.