Karṇa’s advance against the Pāṇḍava host; Arjuna’s clash with the Saṃśaptakas (कर्णस्य पाण्डवसेनाप्रवेशः—अर्जुनस्य संशप्तकसंप्रहारः)
तपसा कर्शयामासुर्देहान् स्वान् शत्रुतापन
tapasā karśayāmāsur dehān svān śatrutāpana | nibodha manasā cātra na te kāryā vicāraṇā ||
दुर्योधन बोला—हे शत्रुतापन! उन्होंने तपस्या से अपने ही शरीरों को कृश कर डाला। स्थिर मन से इसे सुनिए; इसमें संदेह या द्वितीय विचार न कीजिए।
दुर्योधन उवाच
The verse stresses resolute attention and freedom from wavering doubt when receiving counsel, while highlighting the power and cost of tapas (austerity) as a means to achieve formidable ends.
Duryodhana urges his listener to focus and accept his account without hesitation, introducing a precedent in which certain beings undertook severe austerities, emaciating their bodies, to accomplish their purpose.