Shloka 118
वासवी-शक्तेः प्रयोगः, घटोत्कच-वधोत्तर-शोकः, व्यासोपदेशश्च
The Vāsavī Spear’s Use, Post-Ghaṭotkaca Grief, and Vyāsa’s Counsel
“राजन! मैं तुम्हारे शत्रुओंको मार डालूगा, तुम्हारी पराजय नहीं हो सकती; इसके लिये मैं तुमसे सच्ची प्रतिज्ञा करता हूँ। तुम अपनी सेनाको आश्वासन दो” ।। दुर्योधन उवाच न त्वेतदद्भुतं मन्ये यत् ते महदिदं मनः । अस्मासु च परा भक्तिस्तव गौतमिनन्दन,दुर्योधन बोला--गौतमीनन्दन! तुम्हारा यह हृदय इतना विशाल है कि तुम्हारे द्वारा इस कार्यका होना मैं अद्भुत नहीं मानता। हमलोगोंपर तुम्हारा अनुराग बहुत अधिक है
duryodhana uvāca | na tv etad adbhutaṃ manye yat te mahad idaṃ manaḥ | asmāsu ca parā bhaktis tava gautamīnandana ||
Sañjaya said: “O King, I shall strike down your foes; your defeat is impossible. For this I make you a true pledge—go and reassure your army.” Duryodhana said: “O delight of Gautamī (Ashvatthama), I do not find it wondrous that your heart is so great; therefore I do not deem it strange that this deed can be accomplished by you. Your devotion toward us is exceedingly strong.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how steadfast loyalty and a large-hearted disposition are treated as reliable moral-psychological forces in crisis: Duryodhana interprets support in war not as a miracle but as the natural expression of devotion and commitment.
In the Drona Parva’s battle context, Duryodhana addresses an ally (called “Gautamīnandana”), praising his great-heartedness and strong devotion to the Kaurava side, using this praise to secure reassurance and strengthen morale.