Shloka 83
उत्पातवर्णनम् (Utpāta-varṇanam) — Catalogue of Portents
पड्चाशदपि ये शूरा मृद्गन्ति महतीं चमूम् । अपि वा पज्च षट् सप्त विजयन्त्यनिवर्तिन:
pañcāśad api ye śūrā mṛdnanti mahatīṃ camūm | api vā pañca ṣaṭ sapta vijayanti anivartinaḥ ||
Bahkan lima puluh pahlawan dapat menghancurkan bala tentara yang besar. Bahkan lima, enam, atau tujuh petarung yang tidak mundur pun pasti menang.
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
Numerical strength is secondary to steadfast resolve: a small group of unwavering, courageous fighters can overcome a much larger force. In the broader ethical frame, this observation sits alongside the recognition that war’s greatest fault is the destruction of life.
Vyāsa is describing a principle of battlefield dynamics during the war-context of Bhīṣma Parva: disciplined, unretreating warriors can secure victory even when greatly outnumbered.