Mahabharata 7.161.90 — Drona Parva, Adhyaya 161, Shloka 90
अजिशीर्षे प्रातःसंध्यायां संग्रामवर्णनम् / Dawn-Transition Battle at Ajiśīrṣa
Chapter 161
अश्वत्थामन् प्रसीदस्व नाशयैतान् ममाहितान् | तवास्त्रगोचरे शक्ता: स्थातुं देवा न दानवा:
aśvatthāman prasīdasva nāśayaitān mamāhitān | tavāstragocare śaktāḥ sthātuṃ devā na dānavāḥ ||
অশ্বত্থামা, প্রসন্ন হও; আমার এই শত্রুদের বিনাশ করো। তোমার অস্ত্রের পরিসরে দেবতাও দানবও স্থির থাকতে পারে না।
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in the pressure of war, leaders may prioritize victory and reliance on superior force over ethical restraint. It implicitly invites reflection on the danger of glorifying power—when martial capability becomes the main justification, dharmic deliberation can be sidelined.
Duryodhana urges Aśvatthāman to take decisive action against his foes, praising the irresistible reach of Aśvatthāman’s weapons. The speech functions as both a command and a motivational appeal, emphasizing Aśvatthāman’s feared prowess in the ongoing battle.
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