Shloka 4
Droṇa Encircled at Night: Coalition Advance and Battlefield Omens (द्रोणपर्यावरणं रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
धृष्टद्युम्नं चेदमाह भीमसेनो महाबल: । विदितं ते महाबाहो यथा द्रोणो महारथ:
dhṛṣṭadyumnaṃ cedam āha bhīmaseno mahābalaḥ | viditaṃ te mahābāho yathā droṇo mahārathaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then mighty Bhīmasena spoke these words to Dhṛṣṭadyumna: “O strong-armed one, you already know well what kind of great chariot-warrior Droṇa is.” The remark underscores both strategic realism and the ethical weight of facing a revered teacher in battle—acknowledging his prowess while preparing the mind for a difficult, duty-bound confrontation.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes clear-eyed recognition of an opponent’s true capacity—especially when the opponent is a revered teacher—so that action in war is guided by responsibility and realism rather than arrogance or denial.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīma addresses Dhṛṣṭadyumna, reminding him that Droṇa is a formidable mahāratha. It frames the coming tactical and moral challenge of confronting Droṇa on the battlefield.