Shloka 53
दुर्योधन–द्रोणसंवादः
Arjuna-vīrya-prasaṃśā and renewed battle formation
हते तु पाण्डवे कृष्णे भ्रातरश्नास्यथ सोदरा: । अनर्जुना न शक्ष्यन्ति महीं भोक्तुं कथठचन,'पाण्डुपुत्र अर्जुनके मारे जानेपर उनके बिना उनके सहोदर भाई किसी तरह इस पृथ्वीका राज्य नहीं भोग सकेंगे
hate tu pāṇḍave kṛṣṇe bhrātaraś cāsya sodarāḥ | anarjunā na śakṣyanti mahīṃ bhoktuṃ kathaṃcana ||
Sañjaya said: “But if Arjuna, the Pāṇḍava, is slain, then his own brothers—born of the same mother—will in no way be able to enjoy or govern the earth without him.” The statement underscores Arjuna’s pivotal role in sustaining the Pāṇḍavas’ political legitimacy and moral confidence amid the war’s crisis.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how a single dharmic warrior-leader can become the moral and strategic pillar of a righteous cause; without such a figure, even rightful heirs may lack the capacity to sustain sovereignty and order.
Sañjaya reports an assessment of the war’s stakes: if Arjuna is killed, the remaining Pāṇḍava brothers, despite their birthright, would be unable to hold or enjoy the kingdom, indicating Arjuna’s decisive importance to their success.