Shloka 31
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya-saṃvādaḥ; madhyāhna-saṅgrāma-pravṛttiḥ
Dhritarashtra–Sanjaya dialogue and the midday battle escalation
सखड््गस्य महाराज चरतस्तस्य संयुगे । नान्तरं दद्शे द्रौणिस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्,महाराज! तलवार लेकर युद्धमें विचरते हुए शिखण्डीका थोड़ा-सा भी छिठद्र अश्व॒त्थामाको नहीं दिखायी दिया। वह एक अद्भुत-सी बात हुई
sa-khaḍgasya mahārāja caratas tasya saṁyuge | nāntaraṁ dadarśe drauṇis tad adbhutam ivābhavat, mahārāja ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “O Hari, habang si Śikhaṇḍin ay gumagalaw sa digmaan na may hawak na espada, hindi makita ni Aśvatthāman—anak ni Droṇa—kahit ang pinakamaliit na siwang o pagbubukas sa kanya. Ang masilayan ang gayong ganap na pagbabantay sa gitna ng labanan ay tila isang kababalaghan, O Mahārāja.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and practical ideal of vigilance and disciplined conduct in warfare: a warrior who remains fully composed and guarded offers no ‘opening’ to the opponent, illustrating steadiness under pressure as a form of martial dharma.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Śikhaṇḍin, moving through the fight with sword drawn, appeared so well-protected and skillful that Aśvatthāman (Droṇa’s son) could not find any vulnerability to exploit—an occurrence described as astonishing.