Chapter 137: Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) Slays Somadatta; Yudhiṣṭhira Redirected from Droṇa
इति दुर्योधनस्याहमश्रौषं जल्पतो मुहुः । कर्णो हि बलवान् शूरो दृढ्धन्वा जितक्लम:
iti duryodhanasyāham aśrauṣaṁ jalpato muhuḥ | karṇo hi balavān śūro dṛḍhadhanvā jitaklamaḥ ||
धृतराष्ट्र ने कहा—मैंने दुर्योधन को बार-बार ऐसा कहते सुना है; क्योंकि कर्ण बलवान् और शूरवीर है—उसका धनुष दृढ़ है और उसने थकान पर विजय पा ली है।
धृतराष्ट उवाच
The verse highlights how wartime confidence is often built by praising a champion’s strength and endurance. Ethically, it hints at the danger of relying on martial prowess and repeated self-affirming talk as a substitute for clear-sighted judgment and responsibility in dharma-conflict.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra reports that he kept hearing Duryodhana speak repeatedly, emphasizing Karṇa’s qualities—strength, heroism, steady archery, and tirelessness—suggesting Duryodhana’s reliance on Karṇa as a key support in the ongoing battle.