Shloka 14
Daitya-āśvāsana of Duryodhana; Karṇa’s assurance and the mobilization of the Kaurava host
अकृतास्त्रेण पृथिवी जिता बीभत्सुना पुरा । कि पुनः स कृतास्त्रोडद्य न हन्याद् वो महारथ:,पहले जब अर्जुनको दिव्यास्त्र नहीं प्राप्त हुए थे, तभी उन्होंने सारी पृथ्वीको जीत लिया था। अब तो महारथी अर्जुन दिव्यास्त्रोंके विद्वान् हैं, ऐसी दशामें वे तुम्हें मार डालें, यह कौन बड़ी बात है?
akṛtāstreṇa pṛthivī jitā bībhatsunā purā | ki punaḥ sa kṛtāstro ’dya na hanyād vo mahārathaḥ ||
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: “Formerly, when Bībhatsu (Arjuna) had not yet mastered celestial weapons, he still conquered the earth. How much more, then, now that he is trained in divine missiles—what great thing would it be if that mighty chariot-warrior were to slay you?”
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores a pragmatic moral warning: past capability is evidence of present danger, and greater training only amplifies responsibility and consequence. It highlights how power, once refined (kṛtāstra), makes harm easier—therefore one should act with foresight and restraint rather than complacency.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra reflects on Arjuna’s proven prowess: even before obtaining divine weapons he had subdued vast realms; now, as a master of celestial missiles, Arjuna’s ability to destroy opponents is beyond doubt. The statement functions as a fearful assessment of the Pandava hero’s military superiority.