Shloka 109
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
त॑ कौरवाणामधिपो जवेन भीष्मेण भूरिश्रवसा च सार्धथम् | अभ्युद्ययावुद्यतबाणपाणि: कक्ष दिधक्षन्निव धूमकेतु:,उस समय कौरवराज दुर्योधन हाथमें धनुष-बाण लिये बड़े वेगसे अर्जुनके सामने आया, मानो घास-फूँसको जलानेके लिये प्रज्वलित आग बढ़ती चली आ रही हो। भीष्म और भूरिश्रवाने भी दुर्योधनका साथ दिया
tataḥ kauravāṇām adhipo javena bhīṣmeṇa bhūriśravasā ca sārdham | abhyudyayāv udyatabāṇapāṇiḥ kakṣaṃ didhakṣann iva dhūmaketuḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then the lord of the Kauravas, Duryodhana, swiftly advanced toward Arjuna with arrows raised in his hand, accompanied by Bhīṣma and Bhūriśravas—like a blazing firebrand surging forward as if to set an entire thicket alight. The scene underscores how martial zeal and pride can drive leaders to intensify violence, drawing even venerable elders into the momentum of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how a ruler’s aggressive resolve can rapidly intensify conflict: Duryodhana’s charge, likened to fire consuming dry brush, suggests that unchecked pride and martial fervor can spread destruction and pull even respected elders into the blaze of war.
Sañjaya describes Duryodhana rushing toward Arjuna with arrows ready, supported by Bhīṣma and Bhūriśravas. The poet uses a vivid simile—like a firebrand intent on burning a thicket—to convey the speed, threat, and destructive potential of the advance.