Shloka 76
द्रोणपर्व (अध्याय ११२) — कर्णभीमयोर्युद्धम्, दुर्योधनस्य रक्षणादेशः
Droṇa-parva 112: Karṇa–Bhīma Engagement and Duryodhana’s Protective Order
शरशक्तिध्वजवरं हयनागसमाकुलम् | पश्यैतद् धार्तराष्ट्राणामनीकं सुदुरासदम्,बाण, शक्ति और ध्वजाओंसे सुशोभित तथा घोड़े और हाथियोंसे भरी हुई कौरवोंकी इस दुर्जय सेनाको देखो
śaraśakti-dhvajavaraṃ haya-nāga-samākulam | paśyaitad dhārtarāṣṭrāṇām anīkaṃ sudurāsadam ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Behold this Kaurava battle-array—adorned with excellent standards, bristling with arrows and spears, and crowded with horses and elephants. It is a host hard to assail and difficult to overcome.” In this moment, Yudhiṣṭhira draws attention to the formidable power amassed by the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, underscoring the grave ethical weight of the conflict and the daunting cost of confronting such force in war.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights sober discernment in the face of violence: before acting, one must clearly perceive the scale and consequences of conflict. Yudhiṣṭhira’s attention to the enemy host underscores the ethical gravity of war and the need for responsible judgment even when duty compels engagement.
In the Drona Parva’s battle context, Yudhiṣṭhira points out the Kaurava formation—rich with weapons, banners, horses, and elephants—emphasizing that it is a formidable, difficult-to-assail force. This functions as a tactical and psychological assessment addressed to his side.