अर्जुनस्य दिग्विजयारम्भः — Arjuna Initiates the Northern Campaign and Secures Bhagadattta’s Tribute
उभौ परमसंदहृष्टौ बलेन बलिनां वरौ | अन्योन्यस्यान्तरं प्रेप्सू परस्परजयैषिणौ
ubhau paramasaṃdahṛṣṭau balena balināṃ varau | anyonyasyāntaraṃ prepsū parasparajayaiṣiṇau ||
وكان كلاهما، وهما خيرُ الأقوياء، مفعمَين بالابتهاج والحماسة لقوتهما. يترصّد كلٌّ منهما ثغرةَ الآخر—زلةً أو موضعَ ضعف—ويبتغي كلٌّ منهما أن ينال الغلبة على صاحبه بقوةٍ محضة.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
The verse portrays how the pursuit of victory can become dominated by pride in strength and a vigilant search for the opponent’s weakness. Ethically, it invites reflection on the difference between mere power-contest mentality and conduct guided by restraint, fairness, and dharma.
Two powerful champions are described as highly energized and eager to defeat each other. They closely watch for any opening—any lapse or vulnerability—in the other, intending to secure victory through force.