Shloka 326
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
अमन्यत वधे युक्तान् समर्थाश्व सुयोधन: । दुर्योधनने यह मान लिया कि संशप्तकगण तथा कर्ण ये शत्रुधाती अर्जुनके वधमें लगे हुए हैं और इसके लिये वे समर्थ हैं
amanayata vadhe yuktān samarthāś ca suyodhanaḥ |
Vaiśampāyana said: Suyodhana (Duryodhana) concluded that those engaged in the task of killing were capable—believing that the Saṁśaptakas, along with Karṇa, were fully committed to Arjuna’s destruction. The verse highlights how confidence in force and alliances can harden into moral certainty, even when the aim is the slaying of a righteous opponent.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse shows how a leader’s conviction can be shaped by martial calculations—mistaking capability and commitment for moral rightness. It implicitly contrasts strategic confidence with ethical discernment, a recurring Mahābhārata theme where intent (to kill the righteous) carries grave moral weight regardless of tactical strength.
Vaiśampāyana reports Duryodhana’s assessment: he believes the Saṁśaptaka warriors and Karṇa are actively engaged in, and capable of, killing Arjuna. It is a moment of Kaurava expectation that their chosen champions will eliminate a key Pāṇḍava hero.