Mahabharata 9.10.11 — Shalya Parva, Adhyaya 10, Shloka 11
शल्यस्य पाण्डवसेनापीडनम् — Śalya’s Assault on the Pāṇḍava Host
with Omens and Bhīma’s Counter
नान्तरं तत्र पश्यामि पाण्डवस्येतरस्य च । उभौ कृतास्त्रौ बलिनौ रथचर्याविशारदौ
nāntaraṃ tatra paśyāmi pāṇḍavasyetarasyaca | ubhau kṛtāstrau balinau rathacaryāviśāradau ||
Sañjaya said: “In that encounter I see no real difference between the Pāṇḍava and his opponent. Both are masters of weaponry, both are mighty, and both are highly skilled in the art of chariot-fighting.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights impartial discernment in the midst of conflict: true evaluation recognizes merit and capability even in an adversary. Ethically, it underscores that prowess in war can be evenly matched, making outcomes depend on strategy, circumstance, and resolve rather than presumed superiority.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra his observation of a duel or confrontation in which a Pāṇḍava warrior and the opposing fighter appear evenly matched—both trained in weapons, strong, and expert in chariot combat.
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