Shloka 24
अर्जुनस्य दिग्विजयारम्भः — Arjuna Initiates the Northern Campaign and Secures Bhagadattta’s Tribute
उभौ परमसंदहृष्टौ बलेन बलिनां वरौ | अन्योन्यस्यान्तरं प्रेप्सू परस्परजयैषिणौ,बलवानोंमें श्रेष्ठ वे दोनों वीर अत्यन्त हर्ष एवं उत्साहमें भरे हुए थे और एक-दूसरेकी दुर्बलता या असावधानीपर दृष्टि रखते हुए परस्पर बलपूर्वक विजय पानेकी इच्छा रखते थे
ubhau paramasaṃdahṛṣṭau balena balināṃ varau | anyonyasyāntaraṃ prepsū parasparajayaiṣiṇau ||
Both of those foremost among the strong were exceedingly exhilarated by their own might. Each watched for the other’s opening—seeking a lapse or weakness—and each strove to win victory over the other by sheer force.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse portrays how the pursuit of victory can become dominated by pride in strength and a vigilant search for the opponent’s weakness. Ethically, it invites reflection on the difference between mere power-contest mentality and conduct guided by restraint, fairness, and dharma.
Two powerful champions are described as highly energized and eager to defeat each other. They closely watch for any opening—any lapse or vulnerability—in the other, intending to secure victory through force.