Shloka 9
Nakula–Śakuni Duel and the Night Battle; Śikhaṇḍin–Kṛpa Engagement (नकुल-शकुनियुद्धं तथा रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
अद्य युद्ध महाघोरं तव दास्यामि सात्वत । ततो ज्ञास्यसि तत्त्वेन मद्वीर्यबलपौरुषम्,'सात्वत! आज मैं तुम्हें अत्यन्त घोर संग्रामका अवसर दूँगा। इससे तुम मेरे बल, वीर्य और पुरुषार्थका यथार्थ परिचय प्राप्त करोगे
adya yuddha-mahāghoraṁ tava dāsyāmi sātvatā | tato jñāsyasi tattvena mad-vīrya-bala-pauruṣam ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Hari ini akan kuberikan kepadamu, wahai Sātvata, kesempatan bertempur dalam perang yang amat mengerikan. Maka engkau akan mengetahui dengan sebenar-benarnya—tanpa keliru—keperwiraanku, kekuatanku, dan kegagahan lakiku.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of proving one’s worth through action: claims of strength and valor are to be tested in the crucible of battle. Ethically, it reflects the martial culture of the epic—where prowess is asserted and verified publicly—while also foreshadowing the destructive intensity of the conflict.
A warrior addresses “Sātvata” (Kṛṣṇa or one aligned with him) with a direct challenge, declaring that he will provide an opportunity for a fearsome battle, after which the opponent will recognize his true valor, strength, and prowess. It functions as a taunt and a declaration of intent before combat.