Shloka 13
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
वेद चास्त्रं भरद्वाजाद् दुर्धर्ष: सत्यसड्गर: । यो नित्यं स्पर्धते द्रोणं भीष्मं चैव महाबलम्
veda cāstraṃ bharadvājād durdharṣaḥ satyasaṅgaraḥ | yo nityaṃ spardhate droṇaṃ bhīṣmaṃ caiva mahābalam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: He learned the Veda and the science of weapons from Bharadvāja. Unassailable and steadfast in truthful combat, he constantly challenged Droṇa and the mighty Bhīṣma—signaling a warrior’s disciplined confidence and the ethical ideal of meeting even the greatest opponents without deceit or retreat.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal of disciplined strength grounded in learning (Veda and martial science) and ethical conduct in conflict—'truthful battle' (satyasaṅgara), where courage is expressed through fair challenge rather than deceit.
Vaiśampāyana describes a formidable warrior who, having been trained by Bharadvāja in sacred and martial knowledge, repeatedly measures himself against the foremost masters of war—Droṇa and Bhīṣma—emphasizing his prowess and fearless competitiveness.