Shloka 1116
Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
व्ययोजयत खडगेन प्राणैर्द्धिजवरोत्तम: । उस समय कुछ वीर क्षत्रिय आक्रमण कर रहे थे और दूसरे पीठ दिखाकर भागे जा रहे थे। ब्राह्मणशिरोमणि अभ्वत्थामाने उन दोनों ही प्रकारके योद्धाओंको तलवारसे मारकर प्राणहीन कर दिया
vyayojayat khaḍgena prāṇair dvijavarottamaḥ |
सञ्जय उवाच— स द्विजवरः अश्वत्थामा खड्गेन तान् प्राणैर्व्ययोजयत्। तदा केचित् शूराः क्षत्रियाः समरायाभ्यपतन्, केचिद् विपृष्ठं कृत्वा पलायन्त स्म; उभयानपि स खड्गेन निहत्य प्राणहीनानकार्षीत्।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical breakdown of warfare in the Sauptika episode: killing indiscriminately—whether one fights or flees—signals a collapse of the dharmic restraints that traditionally govern combat, underscoring how vengeance and rage can override moral law.
During the night assault, Aśvatthāman moves through the camp and kills warriors with his sword. The scene includes both those who are attacking and those who are fleeing, and he slays them alike, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the slaughter.