Shloka 55
मैत्रेयागमनम् — The Arrival of Maitreya and the Admonition to Duryodhana
दुर्योधननिकाराच्च बाहुवीर्याच्च दर्पित: । कृष्णानयनदृष्टश्न व्यवर्धत वृकोदर:,दुर्योधनके द्वारा प्राप्त हुए तिरस्कारसे तथा अपने बाहुबलसे भीमसेनका शौर्य एवं अभिमान जाग उठा था। इधर द्रौपदी भी प्रेमपूर्ण दृष्टिसि उनकी ओर देख रही थी; अतः वे उस युद्धमें उत्तरोत्तर उत्साहित हो रहे थे
duryodhana-nikārāc ca bāhu-vīryāc ca darpitaḥ | kṛṣṇā-nayana-dṛṣṭa-snehaḥ vyavardhata vṛkodaraḥ ||
Stung by Duryodhana’s contempt and emboldened by his own arm-born strength, Vṛkodara (Bhīma) grew in pride and valor. And as Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) looked toward him with affectionate, encouraging eyes, his ardor for that conflict rose ever more.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how a warrior’s resolve can be intensified by two powerful forces: the sting of dishonor and the encouragement of loved ones. Ethically, it cautions that pride and provocation can escalate conflict, even when the cause feels justified.
Vidura describes Bhīma’s rising fervor: Duryodhana’s insult provokes him, his own strength emboldens him, and Draupadī’s affectionate, supportive gaze further increases his eagerness for the coming confrontation.