Shloka 39
द्रोणपर्व — अध्याय 128: दुर्योधनस्य परसेनाप्रवेशः
Duryodhana’s Incursion and the Tumult of Battle
तस्य वै गमनं विद्यो भीम नावर्तन॑ पुनः । श्यामो युवा गुडाकेशो दर्शनीयो महारथ:,'भीमसेन! हमें उसके जानेका ही पता है, पुनः लौटनेका नहीं। अर्जुनकी अंगकान्ति श्याम है। वह नवयुवक, निद्रापर विजय पानेवाला, देखनेमें सुन्दर और महारथी है
tasya vai gamanaṁ vidyo bhīma nāvartanaṁ punaḥ | śyāmo yuvā guḍākeśo darśanīyo mahārathaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “O Bhīma, know only this much—he has gone; there is no certainty of his returning again. Arjuna is dark-hued in radiance, a youthful hero, the conqueror of sleep, pleasing to behold, and a great chariot-warrior.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the uncertainty inherent in war: once a warrior departs for a perilous mission, only the fact of his going is certain, not his return. Alongside this realism, it affirms heroic ideals by describing Arjuna through virtues—youthful vigor, self-mastery (conquest of sleep), and martial excellence—suggesting that inner discipline supports outer duty.
Sañjaya addresses Bhīma, reporting about Arjuna: he has set out, and there is no assurance he will come back. Sañjaya then characterizes Arjuna—dark-hued, youthful, famed as Guḍākeśa (one who has overcome sleep), handsome, and a great chariot-warrior—heightening both admiration and the tension of the moment.