Shloka 21
Adhyāya 10: Śrutakarmā’s Engagements; Prativindhya–Citra Duel; Drauṇi Advances toward Bhīma
स्वं मनः समवस्थाप्य बाहुवीर्यमुपाश्रित: । दुर्योधनो महाराज राधेयमिदमब्रवीत्
svam manaḥ samavasthāpya bāhuvīryam upāśritaḥ | duryodhano mahārāja rādheyam idam abravīt bharatanandana ||
संजय बोले—महाराज! दुर्योधन ने अपने मन को स्थिर करके और बाहुबल का आश्रय लेकर राधेय (कर्ण) से यह कहा, हे भरतनन्दन।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a warrior-king’s attempt to regain inner steadiness (manaḥ-samavasthāna) by leaning on perceived sources of strength—here, personal martial prowess and a trusted ally. Ethically, it shows how leadership in crisis often turns to confidence-building and strategic reassurance, even when the larger war is driven by contested dharma.
After major commanders have fallen, Duryodhana composes himself and turns to Karna (Radheya) to speak in a way meant to be beneficial and auspicious for his cause. Sanjaya reports this to Dhritarashtra, marking a transition into Duryodhana’s address to Karna.