Shloka 51
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 123 — Bhīṣma–Droṇa–Vidura Upadeśa to Duryodhana
Keśava-vākya aftermath
दृश्यतां वा पुमान् कश्चित् समग्रे पार्थिवे बले । योअर्जुनं समरे प्राप्य स्वस्तिमानाव्रजेद् गृहान्
dṛśyatāṃ vā pumān kaścit samagre pārthive bale | yo 'rjunaṃ samare prāpya svastimān āvrajed gṛhān ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Look closely among these entire royal armies—can any man be found who, after meeting Arjuna in battle, could return home safe and unharmed?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the awe inspired by true martial excellence: confronting a supremely skilled warrior like Arjuna is portrayed as nearly unsurvivable. Ethically, it functions as a warning against reckless escalation—leaders should weigh consequences before plunging armies into a war where survival itself is doubtful.
In the Udyoga Parva’s war-preparation context, Vaiśampāyana narrates a rhetorical challenge directed at the assembled royal forces: among all these kings and their troops, is there anyone who could meet Arjuna in combat and still return home safely? The statement heightens tension and emphasizes Arjuna’s feared reputation.