Shloka 39
Gadā-yuddhe Bhīma–Duryodhanayoḥ Tumulaḥ Saṃprahāraḥ
Mace-duel’s intense exchange
न हि दुर्योधन: क्षुद्र केनचित् त्वद्धिधेन वै । शक्यस्त्रासयितुं वाचा यथान्य: प्राकृतो नर:
na hi duryodhanaḥ kṣudraḥ kenacit tvaddhitena vai | śakyas trāsayituṁ vācā yathānyaḥ prākṛto naraḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “Duryodhana is not a petty man, nor can he—though it be for his own good—be frightened by anyone’s words as an ordinary person might be.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical and psychological truth: a person hardened by pride and stubbornness may not be corrected even by well-intentioned advice. Moral counsel works only when there is receptivity; otherwise, even ‘for your own good’ words fail to restrain destructive choices.
Sañjaya characterizes Duryodhana’s temperament for the listener: unlike ordinary people who might be deterred by admonition, Duryodhana cannot be intimidated or turned back through speech, even if the speech is meant for his welfare. This explains why attempts at negotiation or warning do not alter his course in the war.