Shloka 3
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 114 — Karṇa–Bhīmasena Missile Exchange, Disarmament, and Arjuna’s Intervention
निश्चित्य बहुधैवं स सात्यकिर्युद्धदुर्मद: । धर्मराजमिदं वाक्यमत्रवीत् पुरुषर्षभ:,युद्धमें दुर्जय वीर पुरुषरत्न सात्यकिने इस प्रकार भाँति-भाँतिसे विचार करके धर्मराजसे यह बात कही--
niścitya bahudhaivaṁ sa sātyakir yuddha-durmadaḥ | dharmarājam idaṁ vākyam atravīt puruṣarṣabhaḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : «Après avoir longuement réfléchi et arrêté sa décision, Sātyaki—fier et inébranlable au cœur de la fureur du combat—s’adressa à Dharmarāja en ces termes. Tel un taureau parmi les hommes, il parla en pesant le devoir et ses conséquences au milieu de la guerre.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the heat of war, a righteous course is not taken impulsively: the verse highlights deliberate reflection (bahudhā niścitya) before speaking or acting, especially when addressing a dharma-centered leader like Yudhiṣṭhira.
Sañjaya narrates that Sātyaki, after considering matters from many angles and forming a firm decision, speaks to Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira). This line introduces Sātyaki’s forthcoming counsel or proposal within the Drona Parva battle context.