Shloka 27
धमन्ति कौरवा: शड्खान् यस्य वीर्य समाश्रिता: । यत्र ते संशयो राजन् न््यस्तशस्त्रे गुरी हते
arjuna uvāca | dhamanti kauravāḥ śaṅkhān yasya vīrya-samāśritāḥ | yatra te saṁśayo rājan nyasta-śastre gurau hate ||
Arjuna said: “The Kauravas blow their conches, taking refuge in the prowess of one man. Yet, O King, where is their confidence now—when their revered teacher has been slain while having laid down his weapons?”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical shock of war: outward displays of confidence (conches, rallying cries) can mask inner doubt when victory is gained through morally troubling means—especially the killing of a revered teacher who is unarmed. It implicitly questions whether success obtained by violating reverence and fair combat can sustain true courage.
Arjuna comments on the Kauravas’ war-signals (blowing conches) and points to their reliance on a champion’s strength, then contrasts it with their present uncertainty after the fall of their guru (understood as Droṇa), killed in a state described as having laid down weapons—an event that destabilizes their morale and raises moral tension in the battle’s conduct.