Shloka 26
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Duryodhana Dialogue on Peace and the Refusal of Compromise
निर्दग्ध॑ं भीमसेनेन सैन्यं रथहयद्विपम् । गतिमग्नेरिव प्रेक्ष्य स्मतासि वचनस्य मे
nirdagdhaṁ bhīmasenena sainyaṁ ratha-haya-dvipam | gatim agner iva prekṣya smṛtāsi vacanasya me ||
Duryodhana said: “When Bhīmasena burns our army—crowded with chariots, horses, and elephants—then, seeing his onrush like the very speed of fire, you will remember my words.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical cost of ignoring sound counsel: arrogance and refusal to heed warnings make catastrophe predictable. Duryodhana frames future devastation as a lesson that will force recognition of earlier advice—too late to prevent harm.
Duryodhana speaks to a listener he expects to disregard him now, predicting that when Bhīmasena’s fury devastates the Kaurava forces—chariots, horses, and elephants included—the witness will recall Duryodhana’s present words upon seeing Bhīma’s fire-like momentum.