Shloka 24
दुर्योधन–द्रोणसंवादः
Arjuna-vīrya-prasaṃśā and renewed battle formation
तोषितो येन रुद्रोडपि कः पार्थ प्रतिघातयेत् । क्षत्रिय अपनी भुजाओंसे शौर्यका परिचय देते हैं। ब्राह्मण वाणीद्वारा प्रवचन करनेमें वीर होते हैं। अर्जुन धनुष चलानेमें शूर हैं; किंतु कर्ण केवल मनसूबे बाँधनेमें वीर है। जिन्होंने अपने पराक्रमसे भगवान् शंकरको भी संतुष्ट किया है, उन अर्जुनको कौन मार सकता है?” ।। एवं संरुषितस्तेन तदा शारद्वतेन ह
toṣito yena rudro ’pi kaḥ pārtha pratighātayet |
Sañjaya said: “O Pārtha, who could possibly strike down the one by whom even Rudra (Śiva) has been pleased? In the warrior order, valor is shown through the strength of one’s arms; among brāhmaṇas, heroism lies in fearless speech and instruction. Arjuna is truly heroic in the use of the bow, whereas Karṇa is brave only in making grand intentions. Who can kill Arjuna, who has satisfied Lord Śaṅkara by his own prowess?”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
True heroism is measured by demonstrated capability and disciplined action aligned with one’s dharma—kṣatriyas by martial prowess, brāhmaṇas by courageous truthful speech—rather than by mere intention or boast. Divine favor (Śiva’s satisfaction) is presented as a sign of proven excellence and moral-spiritual legitimacy.
Sañjaya, narrating the battlefield events, praises Arjuna’s proven might and invokes the fact that even Rudra/Śiva was pleased with him. He contrasts Arjuna’s effective archery with Karṇa’s tendency toward grand plans, implying Arjuna’s near-invincibility in the present conflict.