Shloka 23
Śalya’s Consecration as Senāpati and Kṛṣṇa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira (शल्यस्य सेनापत्यभिषेकः)
ततो दुर्योधनो भूमौ स्थित्वा रथवरे स्थितम्
tato duryodhano bhūmau sthitvā rathavare sthitam | yatra mitram amitraṃ vā parīkṣante budhā janāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then Duryodhana, standing upon the ground, addressed the king seated on an excellent chariot—at that moment when wise men test and discern whether one is truly friend or foe. Under the ethical strain of the battlefield, Duryodhana cast the coming deed as a decisive trial of loyalty and allegiance.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that crises—especially war—reveal true allegiance: wise people judge whether someone acts as a genuine friend or effectively as an enemy, based on conduct rather than claims.
Sañjaya describes Duryodhana approaching and speaking to a king seated on a fine chariot, presenting the moment as a decisive test of friendship versus enmity in the unfolding battle situation.