Shloka 31
Omens in the Kuru Host and Droṇa’s Recognition of Arjuna (क्लीबवेषधारी पार्थ-परिज्ञानम्)
बुह्न्नलोवाच यद्युत्तरो<यं संग्रामे विजेष्पति महारथान् । अथाहरिष्ये वासांसि दिव्यानि रुचिराणि च,बृहन्नला बोली--यदि ये राजकुमार उत्तर रणभूमिमें उन महारथियोंको परास्त कर देंगे, तो मैं अवश्य उनके दिव्य और सुन्दर वस्त्र ले आऊँगी
bṛhannalovāca yady uttaro 'yaṃ saṅgrāme vijeṣyati mahārathān | athāhariṣye vāsāṃsi divyāni rucirāṇi ca ||
Bṛhannalā said: “If this prince Uttara is able to defeat those great chariot-warriors in battle, then I shall certainly bring back splendid, divine garments as well.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how resolve is strengthened through purposeful encouragement: a seemingly simple promise becomes a means to awaken courage and commitment to one’s duty in the face of formidable opponents.
Bṛhannalā (Arjuna, concealed) speaks to Prince Uttara on the eve of battle, stating that if Uttara defeats the great warriors, she will bring back splendid divine garments—an outward incentive that supports Uttara’s morale as the confrontation approaches.