Shloka 3
Vāg-yuddha and Nimitta-darśana before the Gadāyuddha
Verbal Duel and Omens
संजय उवाच रामसांनिध्यमासाद्य पुत्रो दुर्योधनस्तव । युद्धकामो महाबाहु: समहृष्यत वीर्यवान्,संजयने कहा--राजन्! बलरामजीको निकट पाकर युद्धकी इच्छा रखनेवाला आपका शक्तिशाली पुत्र महाबाहु दुर्योधन बड़ा प्रसन्न हुआ
sañjaya uvāca rāmasānnidhyam āsādya putro duryodhanas tava | yuddhakāmo mahābāhuḥ samahṛṣyata vīryavān ||
Sañjaya said: O King, on coming into the presence of Balarāma, your son Duryodhana—mighty-armed and valiant, and eager for battle—was filled with great delight. The verse underscores how the proximity of a revered elder and powerful warrior can embolden a combatant’s resolve, even when the moral stakes of the war remain grave.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how association with a respected and powerful figure can intensify a warrior’s confidence and desire for combat; ethically, it hints at the danger of taking encouragement from authority as moral validation in a conflict whose righteousness is contested.
Sanjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Duryodhana, upon approaching and being near Balarāma, becomes very pleased and more intent on fighting, suggesting he feels strengthened by Balarāma’s proximity or perceived support.