Shloka 27
Adhyāya 35 — Bhīmasena’s Counter-Encirclement and the Karṇa Engagement Escalation
शल्य उवाच सूतपुत्र कथं नु त्वं पाण्डवानवमन्यसे,शल्यने कहा--सूतपुत्र! तुम पाण्डवोंकी अवहेलना कैसे करते हो। वे सब-के-सब तो सम्पूर्ण अस्त्रोंके ज्ञाता, महाधनुर्धर, महाबलवान, युद्धसे पीछे न हटनेवाले, अजेय तथा सत्यपराक्रमी हैं
śalya uvāca | sūtaputra kathaṁ nu tvaṁ pāṇḍavān avamanyase |
Shalya said: “O son of a charioteer, how can you possibly hold the Pāṇḍavas in contempt?” In ethical and strategic terms, Shalya rebukes reckless pride: to belittle worthy opponents is to invite ruin, for the Pāṇḍavas are renowned as masters of weapons, mighty archers of great strength, steadfast in battle, and difficult to overcome.
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Do not underestimate or despise a capable opponent; arrogance clouds judgment and violates prudent, dharmic conduct in war. True strength includes discernment and respect for proven valor.
Śalya addresses Karṇa, challenging his dismissive attitude toward the Pāṇḍavas and warning that they are formidable warriors—skilled in weapons, powerful, steadfast, and hard to defeat.