Shloka 90
अजिशीर्षे प्रातःसंध्यायां संग्रामवर्णनम् / Dawn-Transition Battle at Ajiśīrṣa
Chapter 161
अश्वत्थामन् प्रसीदस्व नाशयैतान् ममाहितान् | तवास्त्रगोचरे शक्ता: स्थातुं देवा न दानवा:,अश्वत्थामन्! प्रसन्न होओ। मेरे इन शत्रुओंका नाश करो। तुम्हारे अस्त्रोंके मार्गमें देवता और दानव भी नहीं ठहर सकते हैं
aśvatthāman prasīdasva nāśayaitān mamāhitān | tavāstragocare śaktāḥ sthātuṃ devā na dānavāḥ ||
Duryodhana implores Aśvatthāman: “Be pleased, Aśvatthāman—destroy these enemies of mine. In the range of your weapons, neither gods nor demons can stand their ground.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in the pressure of war, leaders may prioritize victory and reliance on superior force over ethical restraint. It implicitly invites reflection on the danger of glorifying power—when martial capability becomes the main justification, dharmic deliberation can be sidelined.
Duryodhana urges Aśvatthāman to take decisive action against his foes, praising the irresistible reach of Aśvatthāman’s weapons. The speech functions as both a command and a motivational appeal, emphasizing Aśvatthāman’s feared prowess in the ongoing battle.