Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
ततस्तच्छब्दवित्रस्ता उत्पतन्तो भयातुरा: । निद्रान्धा नष्ट्सज्ञाक्ष तत्र तत्र निलिल्यिरे
tatas tacchabdavitrastā utpatanto bhayāturāḥ | nidrāndhā naṣṭasaṃjñākṣā tatra tatra nililyire ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Pagkaraan, nanginig sila sa takot dahil sa tunog na iyon at biglang nagsitindig sa matinding gulat. Bulag pa sa antok at magulo ang pandama at paningin, nagkawatak-watak sila at nagtago sa iba’t ibang dako.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights how fear and confusion overwhelm discernment when vigilance and moral clarity are absent—especially in the disorder of nocturnal violence—showing the ethical and psychological collapse that accompanies adharma-driven warfare.
A sudden sound triggers panic among those who were asleep; half-awake and disoriented, they jump up in terror and hide in different places, indicating the chaos and vulnerability of the camp at night.