Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
शिखण्डिनं समासाद्य द्विधा चिच्छेद सो5सिना । तब महाबली द्रोणपुत्रने क्रोधोके आवेशमें आकर शिखण्डीके पास जा अपनी तलवारसे उसके दो टुकड़े कर डाले ।।
śikhaṇḍinaṃ samāsādya dvidhā ciccheda so 'sinā | tataḥ śikhaṇḍinaṃ hatvā krodhāviṣṭaḥ parantapaḥ sarvān prabhadrakān vegena samabhyadhāvat | virāṭasya ca yā senā śeṣā 'bhavat tām api balavac chūrayām āsa ||
Nilapitan ni Aśvatthāmā si Śikhaṇḍin at hinati niya ito sa dalawa sa pamamagitan ng espada. Matapos mapatay si Śikhaṇḍin, ang mandirigmang nagpapaliyab sa mga kaaway—sinakmal ng poot—ay sumugod nang ubod-bilis laban sa lahat ng Prabhadraka, at marahas ding bumagsak sa nalalabing hukbo ni Haring Virāṭa.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights how krodha (wrath) can eclipse discernment and dharmic restraint, turning combat into unchecked destruction; it implicitly warns that anger-driven action multiplies suffering and moral downfall.
Sañjaya reports that Aśvatthāmā approaches Śikhaṇḍin and cuts him down with a sword; then, still inflamed with anger, he charges the Prabhadrakas and attacks the remaining troops of King Virāṭa.