Shloka 24
अर्जुनस्य दिग्विजयारम्भः — Arjuna Initiates the Northern Campaign and Secures Bhagadattta’s Tribute
उभौ परमसंदहृष्टौ बलेन बलिनां वरौ | अन्योन्यस्यान्तरं प्रेप्सू परस्परजयैषिणौ
ubhau paramasaṃdahṛṣṭau balena balināṃ varau | anyonyasyāntaraṃ prepsū parasparajayaiṣiṇau ||
Ambos, los más eminentes entre los fuertes, estaban colmados de júbilo y ardor por su propio poder. Cada cual acechaba la abertura del otro—un descuido o una flaqueza—y cada cual ansiaba imponerse al rival por la sola fuerza.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse portrays how the pursuit of victory can become dominated by pride in strength and a vigilant search for the opponent’s weakness. Ethically, it invites reflection on the difference between mere power-contest mentality and conduct guided by restraint, fairness, and dharma.
Two powerful champions are described as highly energized and eager to defeat each other. They closely watch for any opening—any lapse or vulnerability—in the other, intending to secure victory through force.