Shloka 1013
Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
प्राद्रवन्त यथाशक्ति कांदिशीका विचेतस: । द्वारपाल दरवाजोंको और तम्बूकी रक्षा करनेवाले सैनिक तम्बुओंको छोड़कर यथाशक्ति भागने लगे। वे सब-के-सब अपनी सुध-बुध खो बैठे थे और यह भी नहीं जानते थे कि “उन्हें किस दिशामें भागकर जाना है”
prādravanta yathāśakti kāndiśīkā vicetasaḥ |
三阇耶说道：那些惊惶失措的人竭尽所能奔逃。守门者与负责守护入口与营帐的士卒也弃岗而走。众人尽失方寸，甚至不知“该往何方逃命”——这是恐惧之下职责崩塌的惊乱图景。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how fear and shock can strip people of discernment (cetas) and make them abandon assigned duty; it serves as a moral-psychological warning that courage and clarity are essential for sustaining dharma in crisis.
During the chaos in the camp, the guards and protectors of the gates and tents lose their composure and flee in confusion, unable even to decide which direction to run.