Shloka 25
Duryodhana-patana-anuśocana
The Fall of Duryodhana and the Contest of Restraint
आधुन्वन्तो गदे घोरे चन्दनागरुरूषिते । वैरस्यान्तं परीप्सन्तौ रणे क्रुद्धाविवान्तकौ,वैरका अन्त करनेकी इच्छावाले वे दोनों वीर रणभूमिमें चन्दन और अगुरुसे चर्चित भयंकर गदाएँ घुमाते हुए कुपित कालके समान प्रतीत होते थे
ādhunvantau gade ghore candanāgarurūṣite | vairasyāntaṃ parīpsantau raṇe kruddhāv ivāntakau ||
Wielding their dreadful maces, anointed with sandal and aloe, the two heroes—intent on bringing their enmity to an end—whirled them on the battlefield, appearing like Death itself in wrath. The verse underscores how personal vengeance, when carried into war, intensifies violence and makes even noble warriors resemble instruments of destruction rather than guardians of dharma.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the pursuit of ending enmity through sheer force can transform warriors into embodiments of destruction; it cautions that anger and vengeance, even in a righteous war, can eclipse restraint and dharmic intent.
Two enraged heroes on the battlefield whirl their fearsome maces, perfumed with sandal and aguru, determined to finish their feud; their furious appearance is compared to Antaka (Death) itself.