Shloka 28
उद्योगपर्व — अध्याय ५४: दुर्योधनस्य धृतराष्ट्रं प्रति बलप्रशंसन-युक्तः आश्वासनवादः
Duryodhana’s Reassurance and Force-Praise to Dhritarashtra
एषां होकैकशो राज्ञां समर्थ: पाण्डवान् प्रति । आत्मानं मन्यते सर्वो व्येतु ते भयमागतम्,इन राजाओंमेंसे प्रत्येक अपने-आपको पाण्डवोंके साथ युद्ध करनेमें समर्थ मानता है; अत: आपके मनमें जो भय आ गया है, वह निकल जाना चाहिये
eṣāṃ hy ekaikaśo rājñāṃ samarthaḥ pāṇḍavān prati | ātmānaṃ manyate sarvo vyetu te bhayam āgatam ||
Duryodhana said: “Each one of these kings, taken individually, considers himself capable of facing the Pāṇḍavas in battle. Therefore, let the fear that has arisen in your mind be dispelled.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a political-military ethic of bolstering morale: Duryodhana argues that confidence in one’s allies and their self-assessed strength should remove fear, emphasizing resolve and collective assurance on the eve of conflict.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war negotiations and mobilization, Duryodhana addresses his side, pointing to the many kings aligned with him. He claims each ally believes himself able to confront the Pāṇḍavas, and he urges that any fear be cast off.