Shloka 18
उद्योगपर्व — अध्याय ५४: दुर्योधनस्य धृतराष्ट्रं प्रति बलप्रशंसन-युक्तः आश्वासनवादः
Duryodhana’s Reassurance and Force-Praise to Dhritarashtra
अभिद्र॒ग्धा: परे चेन्नो न भेतव्यं परंतप । असमर्था: परे जेतुमस्मान् युधि समास्थितान्
abhidragdhāḥ pare cen no na bhetavyaṃ paraṃtapa | asamarthāḥ pare jetum asmān yudhi samāsthitān, bhārata ||
दुर्योधन बोला— “परंतप! यदि शत्रुपक्ष के लोग हमसे द्वेष रखते हों तो भी तुम्हें भय नहीं करना चाहिए। हे भारत, युद्ध में पंक्तिबद्ध होकर खड़े हुए हम लोगों को वे शत्रु जीतने में असमर्थ हैं।”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse conveys a kṣatriya-style exhortation to steadiness: even if the opponent is hostile, fear should not govern one’s conduct; resolve and preparedness in a righteous contest are presented as antidotes to anxiety.
In the war-preparations of the Udyoga Parva, Duryodhana voices reassurance and bravado, asserting that the enemy camp—despite its ill-will—will be unable to defeat his side once both armies are arrayed for battle.