Shloka 21
चोदयन्तश्न सैन्यानि स्वस्त्रीयांश्ष॒ तथापरे । सम्बन्धिनस्तथान्ये च प्राद्रवन्त दिशो दश,कितने ही योद्धा अपनी सेनाओंको, दूसरे लोग भानजोंको और कितने ही अपने सगे- सम्बन्धियोंको भागनेकी आज्ञा देते हुए दसों दिशाओंकी ओर भाग खड़े हुए
codayantaś ca sainyāni sva-strīyāṃś ca tathāpare | sambandhinas tathānye ca prādravan diśo daśa ||
केचित् स्वसैन्यानि चोदयन्तः, केचिद् स्वस्त्रीः, केचिद् सम्बन्धिनश्च आह्वयन्तः—ते सर्वे त्रस्ताः प्राद्रवन्, दिशो दश प्रकीर्णाः।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how fear can dissolve discipline and dharma in war: when panic spreads, people prioritize immediate survival and family ties over collective duty, leading to disorder and flight.
Sañjaya describes a chaotic moment in the battle where groups of people are shouting—some urging troops, others calling to their womenfolk and relatives—and then many flee, dispersing in all directions.