Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 71
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
अस्मिन् मुहुर्ते सत्यं वा मिथ्या वै तद् भविष्यति । गृह्नातु च गदां यो वै योत्स्यतेडद्य मया सह
asmin muhūrte satyaṃ vā mithyā vai tad bhaviṣyati | gṛhṇātu ca gadāṃ yo vai yotsyate ’dya mayā saha ||
Sañjaya said: “In this very moment it will become clear whether my statement is true or false. Let whoever is ready to fight with me today take up the mace.” The utterance frames combat as an immediate test of truthfulness and resolve, where words are to be verified by action on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Speech is accountable: a claim of truth (satya) must withstand immediate verification through conduct. The verse highlights the warrior ethic where resolve and honesty are tested publicly, not merely asserted.
A direct challenge is issued: the speaker declares that the truth or falsity of his words will be proven at once, and invites any opponent willing to fight to pick up a mace and engage him that very day.
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