Shloka 423
भीमसेनस्य कौरवसुतवधः तथा श्रुतर्वावधः
Slaying of Kaurava princes and the fall of Śrutarvā
हित्वा पाड्चालराजस्य तदनीकं दुरुत्सहम् | कुछ लोगोंने कहा--'सारथिके मारे जानेपर पांचालराजकी उस दुःसह सेनाको त्यागकर राजा दुर्योधन वहीं गये हैं, जहाँ शकुनि हैं”
hitvā pāñcālarājasya tad-anīkaṃ durutsaham |
Sañjaya nói: Rời bỏ trận thế kiên cố của vua Pāñcāla, có người báo rằng vua Duryodhana—sau khi người đánh xe của ông bị giết—đã rút khỏi mặt trận ấy và đi đến nơi Śakuni đang ở.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of resolve in war: when support systems (like a charioteer) collapse, even a king may abandon a difficult front and seek guidance or safety with a trusted ally. Ethically, it invites reflection on whether leadership should be anchored in steadfast duty (dharma) or in expedient survival and counsel.
Sañjaya reports a battlefield development: Duryodhana is said to have left the formidable Pāñcāla formation after his charioteer was killed, and to have gone to the location where Śakuni was present—suggesting a tactical withdrawal and a move toward consultation or regrouping.