Shloka 266
धृतराष्ट्रस्य मूर्च्छा तथा द्रोणविषयकप्रश्नाः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Fainting and Questions Concerning Droṇa
धृष्टय्युम्नादृते रौद्रात् पाल्यमानात् किरीटिना । किरीटथधारी अर्जुनके द्वारा सुरक्षित भयंकर स्वभाववाले धृष्टद्युम्नको छोड़कर दूसरे किसीको मैं ऐसा नहीं देखता, जो अत्यन्त तेजस्वी द्रोणाचार्यके वधमें समर्थ हो
Dhṛṣṭadyumnād ṛte raudrāt pālyamānāt kirīṭinā | kirīṭadhārī Arjunena surakṣitaṁ bhayaṅkara-svabhāvaṁ Dhṛṣṭadyumnam utsṛjya nānyaṁ paśyāmi yaḥ atyanta-tejasvinaṁ Droṇācāryaṁ vadhane samartho bhavet ||
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: “Except for the fierce Dhṛṣṭadyumna—who is being protected by the diadem-wearing Arjuna—I see no one else capable of slaying the supremely radiant Droṇācārya. Setting aside that formidable Dhṛṣṭadyumna, guarded by Arjuna, there is none whom I judge equal to the task of killing Droṇa.”
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral tension of war: even a revered teacher like Droṇa becomes a legitimate target within the battlefield’s dharma, yet only an exceptionally destined and protected agent (Dhṛṣṭadyumna, guarded by Arjuna) is seen as capable of carrying out such a grave act. It underscores how power, protection, and fate converge in decisive moments.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra assesses the battlefield situation and concludes that, apart from the fierce Dhṛṣṭadyumna—who is being guarded by Arjuna—no one else seems able to kill the mighty Droṇācārya. The statement foreshadows Droṇa’s eventual fall and emphasizes Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s unique role in it.