Shloka 18
Adhyāya 20 — Rājadharma Argument for Paternal Inheritance and Timely Conciliation
एकादशैता: पृतना एकतश्न समागता: । एकतश्च महाबाहुर्बहुरूपी धनंजय:
ekādaśaitāḥ pṛtanā ekataś ca samāgatāḥ | ekataś ca mahābāhur bahurūpī dhanañjayaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Even if these eleven armies assemble on one side, and on the other side stands only Dhanañjaya Arjuna—mighty-armed and capable of assuming many forms—he alone is sufficient to face them all.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Numerical superiority is not decisive when opposed by a single warrior of extraordinary capability and righteous resolve; the verse highlights the primacy of inner strength, skill, and dharmic backing over mere quantity.
Vaiśampāyana describes a stark contrast of forces: the Kauravas’ eleven battle-hosts on one side, and Arjuna alone on the other, emphasizing Arjuna’s formidable power and readiness to confront overwhelming opposition.