Shloka 71
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
अस्मिन् मुहुर्ते सत्यं वा मिथ्या वै तद् भविष्यति । गृह्नातु च गदां यो वै योत्स्यतेडद्य मया सह
asmin muhūrte satyaṃ vā mithyā vai tad bhaviṣyati | gṛhṇātu ca gadāṃ yo vai yotsyate ’dya mayā saha ||
Sañjaya said: “In this very moment it will become clear whether my statement is true or false. Let whoever is ready to fight with me today take up the mace.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Speech is accountable: a claim of truth (satya) must withstand immediate verification through conduct. The verse highlights the warrior ethic where resolve and honesty are tested publicly, not merely asserted.
A direct challenge is issued: the speaker declares that the truth or falsity of his words will be proven at once, and invites any opponent willing to fight to pick up a mace and engage him that very day.