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 dit : Suyodhana (Duryodhana) conclut que ceux qui s’étaient engagés dans l’œuvre de tuer en avaient la capacité—croyant que les Saṁśaptaka, avec Karṇa, s’étaient voués tout entiers à la perte d’Arjuna. Le vers souligne comment la confiance dans la force et les alliances peut se durcir en certitude morale, même lorsque le but est d’abattre un adversaire juste.
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.