Shloka 23
भीष्मरथाभिमुख्यं — Arjuna’s advance with Śikhaṇḍin; Duḥśāsana’s interception
सर्वलोकेश्चरा: शूरास्तत्र तत्र विशाम्पते । विप्रद्रुता व्यदृश्यन्त प्राकृता इव मानवा:
sañjaya uvāca | sarvalokeścarāḥ śūrās tatra tatra viśāmpate | vipradrutā vyadṛśyanta prākṛtā iva mānavāḥ ||
Wika ni Sañjaya: O panginoon ng bayan, ang mga mandirigmang bantog sa lahat ng daigdig ay nakita rito’t roon, nagkawatak-watak at tumatakas—mistulang karaniwang tao. Kaya maging yaong kinikilalang mga kampeon na kilala sa buong mundo, kapag nawalay sa karwahe at nayayanig sa bigat ng labanan, ay waring nawawalan ng dating ningning at nagtatakbuhang litó—ibinubunyag na ang digmaan ay nagpapantay ng katayuan at naglalantad ng kahinaan ng tao.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the levelling power of calamity: even world-renowned heroes, when struck by fear, loss of support (such as chariots), or the tide of battle, can appear like ordinary people. Glory and status are contingent; steadiness and dharma are tested precisely under pressure.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that many celebrated warriors on the battlefield are scattered and fleeing in different directions. The scene emphasizes confusion and reversal in the midst of the Kurukṣetra war, where even famed champions are seen routed.