Shloka 15
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
यस्तताप तपो घोर सदार: पृथिवीपति: । रोषाद द्रोणविनाशाय वीर: समितिशोभन:
yas tatāpa tapo ghoraṁ sadāraḥ pṛthivīpatiḥ | roṣād droṇavināśāya vīraḥ samitiśobhanaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The heroic king, accompanied by his wife, undertook a fierce austerity. Inflamed with wrath and intent on the destruction of Droṇa, that warrior—splendid in the clash of armies—performed severe penance, revealing how anger can drive even royal power toward extreme, morally charged resolve.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension when tapas (a discipline often associated with purification and higher aims) is fueled by roṣa (anger) and directed toward destruction. It suggests that inner motive shapes the moral color of even powerful spiritual practices.
Vaiśampāyana describes a heroic king who, along with his wife, undertakes severe austerities with the specific aim—born of wrath—of bringing about Droṇa’s destruction, portraying a determined preparation driven by enmity.