Kṛṣṇa at Duryodhana’s House: Refusal of Hospitality and Departure to Vidura (कृष्णस्य धार्तराष्ट्रनिवेशनगमनम्)
यस्य बाहुबलं सर्वे पाण्डवा: पर्युपासते । स सर्वरथिनां श्रेष्ठ; पाण्डव: सत्यविक्रम:
yasya bāhubalaṃ sarve pāṇḍavāḥ paryupāsate | sa sarvarathināṃ śreṣṭhaḥ pāṇḍavaḥ satyavikramaḥ ||
বৈশম্পায়ন বললেন— যাঁর বাহুবলের আশ্রয়ে সকল পাণ্ডব রক্ষার প্রত্যাশা করে—সেই সত্যবিক্রমী পাণ্ডব সর্ব রথীদের মধ্যে শ্রেষ্ঠ।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of dependable strength: true valor is not mere power but steadfast, trustworthy prowess that becomes a refuge for one’s community—an aspect of kṣatriya-dharma where might is validated by responsibility and protection.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war setting, the narration underscores Arjuna’s status among warriors: the Pāṇḍavas’ confidence rests on his arm-strength, and he is characterized as the foremost rathin with unwavering valor, framing his importance to the coming conflict.