Shloka 17
अध्याय ४ — भीष्मेन कर्णोत्साहनम्
Bhīṣma’s Encouragement of Karṇa
हृषिता: कुरव: सर्वे दुर्योधनपुरोगमा: । उपागतं महाबाहुं सर्वानीकपुरःसरम्
hṛṣitāḥ kuravaḥ sarve duryodhana-purogamāḥ | upāgataṃ mahābāhuṃ sarvānīka-puraḥsaram ||
Sañjaya said: All the Kurus, led by Duryodhana, were delighted on seeing the mighty-armed hero arrive—he who marched at the head of the entire host. The line underscores the Kauravas’ morale and their reliance on a single formidable champion as the war’s momentum shifts.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how collective morale in war often hinges on perceived strength and leadership; delight arises not from dharma itself but from confidence in a powerful champion, reminding readers to examine the ethical basis of one’s enthusiasm and allegiance.
Sañjaya reports that the Kaurava warriors, with Duryodhana at their head, become joyful upon the arrival of a mighty warrior who advances before the whole army, signaling renewed confidence and forward momentum for their side.