Shloka 11
धृतराष्ट्रस्य क्रतु-प्रवर्तनम् तथा पाण्डवानां निमन्त्रण-प्रतिवचनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Sacrifice Commences and the Pandavas’ Reply to the Invitation
तान् दृष्टवा द्रवत:सर्वान् धार्तराष्ट्रानू पराड्मुखान्
tān dṛṣṭvā dravataḥ sarvān dhārtarāṣṭrān parāṅmukhān
Nang makita niyang ang lahat ng mga anak ni Dhṛtarāṣṭra ay nagmamadaling tumakas, nakatalikod ang mukha, inilarawan ni Vaiśampāyana ang sandaling iyon bilang biglaang pagbaligtad—kung saan ang takot at pagkaparam ng loob ay nanaig sa pagmamataas, at ang bunga ng mga naunang pasya ay nagsimulang lumitaw sa pagtakbo, hindi sa paninindigan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how inner disposition determines outward action: when courage and dharma-based resolve collapse, one turns away and flees. It implicitly contrasts steadfastness with retreat born of fear, suggesting that earlier adharma or arrogance can culminate in loss of morale at critical moments.
Vaiśaṃpāyana reports that the Dhārtarāṣṭras are seen running away, turned back from the confrontation. The scene marks a shift in momentum—those aligned with Dhṛtarāṣṭra are in retreat rather than advancing.