Shloka 57
ये नः प्राणा: शिरो ये च ये नो योधा महारथा:,“जो पुरुषशिरोमणि महारथी योद्धा हमारे प्राण और मस्तक हैं, वे ही धृतराष्ट्रपुत्रोंके साथ जूझ रहे हैं, फिर तुम सब लोग मूर्ख और अचेत मनुष्योंके समान यहाँ क्यों खड़े हो?
ye naḥ prāṇāḥ śiro ye ca ye no yodhā mahārathāḥ
सञ्जय उवाच—ये नः प्राणाः शिरो ये च ये नो योधा महारथाः। ते धृतराष्ट्रपुत्रैः सार्धं युध्यन्ति, यूयं तु किं मूढा इवाचेतना इह तिष्ठथ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse urges responsible action in a crisis: when one’s foremost protectors and leaders are already risking their lives in battle, it is shameful and ethically blameworthy for others to remain idle. It frames courage and participation as a duty owed to one’s side and to those who bear the main burden.
Sañjaya reports a moment of sharp rebuke: he points out that the Kauravas’ principal champions—described as their very ‘life’ and ‘head’—are engaged in fierce combat with Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s sons’ opponents, and he condemns those who stand aside as foolish and insensible, pressing them to join the fight.