Shloka 25
Adhyāya 160: Arjuna’s Envoy-Message—Critique of Borrowed Valor and Pre-dawn Mobilization
यदीदं कत्थनाललोके सिध्येत् कर्म धनंजय । सर्वे भवेयु: सिद्धार्था: कत्थने को हि दुर्गतः
yadīdaṃ katthanāl loke sidhyet karma dhanaṃjaya | sarve bhaveyuḥ siddhārthāḥ katthane ko hi durgataḥ ||
धनंजय! यदि संसार में केवल डींग हाँकने से ही कार्य सिद्ध हो जाता, तो सब लोग सफल हो जाते; क्योंकि बातें बनाने में भला कौन दरिद्र या दुर्बल है?
उलूक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts empty boasting with real accomplishment: mere self-praise cannot produce success; ethical worth and true capability are proved by action, not by words.
Ulūka addresses Arjuna in a taunting, provocative tone, implying that Arjuna’s claims or reputation mean nothing unless matched by actual deeds—part of the hostile exchange surrounding the impending war.