ततो<5धावन्त कौरव्या जिधघृक्षन्तो युधिष्ठिरम् । वुष्टभावान् पराउज्ञात्वा समवेता महारथा:
tato ’dhāvanta kauravyā jighṛkṣanto yudhiṣṭhiram | vṛṣṭabhāvān parājñātvā samavetā mahārathāḥ ||
سنجے نے کہا—پھر کوروؤں کے جنگجو یُدھشٹھِر کو پکڑ لینے کی نیت سے دوڑ پڑے۔ اس کی گھبرائی ہوئی کیفیت کو بھانپ کر، جمع ہوئے مہارَتھی چاروں طرف سے اس پر ٹوٹ پڑے۔
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights how, in war, a leader’s inner steadiness directly affects tactical vulnerability: when Yudhiṣṭhira’s composure is perceived as shaken, opponents immediately attempt capture. Ethically, it underscores the kṣatriya-world’s emphasis on reading morale and exploiting openings, while also implying the dharmic need for self-mastery amid crisis.
Sañjaya reports that Kaurava fighters surge forward in a coordinated charge, aiming to capture Yudhiṣṭhira. They do so because they perceive him to be unsettled, and the gathered elite warriors close in to take advantage of that moment.