Shloka 32
Kṛṣṇa at Duryodhana’s House: Refusal of Hospitality and Departure to Vidura (कृष्णस्य धार्तराष्ट्रनिवेशनगमनम्)
यस्य बाहुबलं सर्वे पाण्डवा: पर्युपासते । स सर्वरथिनां श्रेष्ठ; पाण्डव: सत्यविक्रम:
yasya bāhubalaṃ sarve pāṇḍavāḥ paryupāsate | sa sarvarathināṃ śreṣṭhaḥ pāṇḍavaḥ satyavikramaḥ ||
Waiśampāyana berkata: “Dia yang kekuatan lengannya menjadi sandaran semua Pāṇḍava dan kepada siapa mereka menengadah demi perlindungan—dialah Pāṇḍava yang tak pernah goyah keberaniannya, yang utama di antara semua kesatria kereta.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of dependable strength: true valor is not mere power but steadfast, trustworthy prowess that becomes a refuge for one’s community—an aspect of kṣatriya-dharma where might is validated by responsibility and protection.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war setting, the narration underscores Arjuna’s status among warriors: the Pāṇḍavas’ confidence rests on his arm-strength, and he is characterized as the foremost rathin with unwavering valor, framing his importance to the coming conflict.