Adhyāya 33: Rauhiṇeya (Balarāma) is welcomed and takes his seat to witness the gadā-engagement
न सम्भ्रमो न च भयं न च ग्लानिर्न च व्यथा । आसीद् दुर्योधनस्यापि स्थित: सिंह इवाहवे,उस समय दुर्योधनके मनमें न घबराहट थी, न भय। न ग्लानि थी, न व्यथा। वह युद्धस्थलमें सिंहके समान निर्भय खड़ा था
na sambhramo na ca bhayaṁ na ca glānir na ca vyathā | āsīd duryodhanasyāpi sthitaḥ siṁha ivāhave ||
Sañjaya dit : En cet instant, même Duryodhana ne ressentit ni trouble ni peur—ni remords ni détresse. Debout, inébranlable sur le champ de bataille, il paraissait tel un lion au cœur du fracas des armes.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the battlefield ideal of steadiness—absence of panic, fear, and inner collapse—showing how martial composure can exist even in a morally compromised figure. It invites reflection on the difference between outward courage and inner righteousness (dharma).
Sañjaya reports Duryodhana’s mental state during the fighting: he stands firm in the battle without agitation, fear, remorse, or distress, likened to a lion holding his ground in combat.