Shloka 26
भीष्म-पर्व अध्याय १०० — त्रिगर्त-आक्रमण, भीष्म-केन्द्रित पुनर्संयोजन, तथा शक्त्यस्त्र-विनिमय
स पूज्यमान: कुरुभि: कौरवाणां महाबल:,इस प्रकार कौरवोंसे पृूजित हो महाबली कौरवराज दुर्योधन यशस्वी भीष्मके शिविरमें गया। उसके भाई उसे घेरकर निरन्तर उसीके साथ-साथ रहे
sa pūjyamānaḥ kurubhiḥ kauravāṇāṃ mahābalaḥ | tathā kauravaiḥ pūjitaḥ sa mahābalī kauravarājo duryodhanaḥ yaśasvī bhīṣmasya śiviraṃ jagāma | tasya bhrātaraḥ taṃ parivārya nirantaraṃ tasyaiva saha-sahaiva sthitāḥ |
Thus honored by the Kurus, the mighty Kaurava king Duryodhana—celebrated for his renown—went to Bhishma’s camp. His brothers surrounded him and remained constantly at his side, moving with him without separation. The scene underscores how public honor and fraternal solidarity strengthen a leader’s resolve on the eve of war, even when the cause itself is ethically fraught.
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how honor from one’s community and the unwavering presence of allies can intensify a leader’s confidence and determination. Ethically, it also hints at the danger that social approval and group solidarity may reinforce commitment even when the larger course of action leads toward destructive war.
Duryodhana, having been honored by the Kauravas/Kurus, proceeds to Bhishma’s military camp. His brothers closely accompany him, surrounding him and staying continually at his side, emphasizing unity within the Kaurava leadership.