Shloka 16
Duryodhana Seeks Droṇa’s Counsel; Imperative to Protect Jayadratha; Pāñcāla Assault on Duryodhana
एष दुर्योधन: कृष्ण द्रोणेन विहितामिमाम् | तिष्ठत्यभीतवत् संख्ये बिभ्रत् कवचधारणाम्,श्रीकृष्ण! द्रोणाचार्यके द्वारा विधिपूर्वक धारण करायी हुई इस कवचधारणाको ग्रहण करके यह दुर्योधन युद्धस्थलमें निर्भय-सा खड़ा है
arjuna uvāca | eṣa duryodhanaḥ kṛṣṇa droṇena vihitām imām | tiṣṭhaty abhītavat saṅkhye bibhrat kavaca-dhāraṇām ||
Arjuna said: “O Krishna, here stands Duryodhana—bearing this armor-investiture that was duly arranged for him by Drona—remaining on the battlefield as though fearless.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how external protections and formal martial rites—especially when sanctioned by a revered teacher—can intensify a warrior’s confidence. Ethically, it invites reflection on the difference between true fearlessness grounded in dharma and mere boldness arising from power, protection, or pride.
Arjuna points out to Krishna that Duryodhana is standing firm in the battle, appearing fearless, because he is wearing an armor arrangement that Drona has properly prescribed or caused him to assume—signaling Duryodhana’s readiness and heightened confidence in the ongoing conflict.