Shloka 26
Chapter 23: Śakuni Reports, Kaurava Advance, and Arjuna’s Penetration of the Host
ततो गान्धारराजस्य पुत्र: शकुनिरब्रवीत् । युद्धयध्वमग्रतो यावत् पृष्ठतो हन्मि पाण्डवान्,तत्पश्चात् गान्धारराजके पुत्र शकुनिने कौरव-योद्धाओंसे कहा--“वीरो! तुमलोग सामनेसे युद्ध करो और मैं पीछेसे पाण्डवोंका संहार करता हूँ”
tato gāndhārarājasya putraḥ śakunir abravīt | yudhyadhvam agrato yāvat pṛṣṭhato hanmi pāṇḍavān ||
تب گاندھار کے راجا کا بیٹا شکنی بولا— “اے بہادرو! تم سامنے سے جتنا ہو سکے لڑو؛ میں پیچھے سے پانڈوؤں کو ہلاک کروں گا۔”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical fault-line in warfare: pursuing victory through a rear attack and manipulation contrasts with the ideal of straightforward kshatriya combat. It underscores how adharma can manifest as tactical counsel that prioritizes success over honor.
Sanjaya reports that Shakuni addresses the Kaurava fighters, urging them to engage the Pandavas from the front while he proposes to attack from behind, indicating a coordinated plan relying on encirclement or treacherous assault.