Shloka 23
भीष्मरथाभिमुख्यं — Arjuna’s advance with Śikhaṇḍin; Duḥśāsana’s interception
सर्वलोकेश्चरा: शूरास्तत्र तत्र विशाम्पते । विप्रद्रुता व्यदृश्यन्त प्राकृता इव मानवा:
sañjaya uvāca | sarvalokeścarāḥ śūrās tatra tatra viśāmpate | vipradrutā vyadṛśyanta prākṛtā iva mānavāḥ ||
三阇耶说道：噫，民众之主，那些名震诸界的英雄武士，也被看见在此处彼处溃散奔逃——竟如寻常凡人一般。由此可知，即便被称为举世闻名的冠军之士，一旦失却战车，又为战阵挤压所震撼，往昔光彩亦似消褪，仓皇乱走；战争使尊卑同归一途，显露人之脆弱。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the levelling power of calamity: even world-renowned heroes, when struck by fear, loss of support (such as chariots), or the tide of battle, can appear like ordinary people. Glory and status are contingent; steadiness and dharma are tested precisely under pressure.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that many celebrated warriors on the battlefield are scattered and fleeing in different directions. The scene emphasizes confusion and reversal in the midst of the Kurukṣetra war, where even famed champions are seen routed.