Shloka 20
अर्जुनोक्तिः—कृष्णं प्रति पुरुषकार‑कर्म‑विचारः
Arjuna’s Address to Krishna: Agency, Action, and Immediate Counsel
तस्मादाशड्कमानोऊ<हं वृकोदर मतिं तव । गदत: क्लीबया वाचा तेजस्ते समदीदिपम्
tasmād āśaṅkamāno ’haṃ vṛkodara matiṃ tava | gadataḥ klībayā vācā tejaste samadīdipam ||
Therefore, O Vṛkodara, I do not doubt your resolve. Even while you speak in words that sound timid, your inner fire blazes forth—your valor is clearly kindled.
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīma highlights that true valor (tejas) is measured by inner resolve and readiness to act, not merely by the tone of one’s words; even seemingly mild speech can conceal unwavering courage.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war deliberations, Bhīma addresses ‘Vṛkodara’ and reassures him that he does not doubt his intention; despite words that may sound hesitant, his heroic energy is visibly aflame.