Shloka 18
भीष्मस्य दुर्योधनं प्रति उपालम्भः
Bhīṣma’s Reproof to Duryodhana
दुर्योधनो महाराज राक्षसान् समुपाद्रवत् । अमर्षवशमापतन्नस्त्यक्त्वा जीवितमात्मन:
sañjaya uvāca | duryodhano mahārāja rākṣasān samupādravat | amarṣavaśam āpatan na tyaktvā jīvitam ātmanaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: O King, Duryodhana, overcome by fierce indignation, rushed straight at those Rākṣasas—casting aside concern for his own life. With his elephant-riders shattered and destroyed, he chose reckless valor over self-preservation, driven by wounded pride and rage amid the chaos of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger and wounded pride (amarṣa) can overpower discernment, pushing a warrior toward rash action and disregard for life. It implicitly contrasts impulsive, ego-driven courage with steadier, dharma-guided judgment.
After his elephant-mounted fighters have been broken and destroyed, Duryodhana—stung by humiliation and fury—charges at the Rākṣasa warriors. Sañjaya reports this to the king, emphasizing Duryodhana’s rage and his willingness to risk his life.