Shloka 2
धृतराष्ट्रस्य क्रतु-प्रवर्तनम् तथा पाण्डवानां निमन्त्रण-प्रतिवचनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Sacrifice Commences and the Pandavas’ Reply to the Invitation
गन्धर्वर्वारिते सैन्ये धार्तराष्ट्र: प्रतापवान् । अमर्षपूर्ण: सैन्यानि प्रत्यभाषत भारत,भारत! गन्धर्वोद्वारा अपनी सेनाके रोक दिये जानेपर प्रतापी राजा दुर्योधनने अमर्षमें भरकर समस्त सैनिकोंसे कहा--
gandharvair vārite sainye dhārtarāṣṭraḥ pratāpavān | amarṣapūrṇaḥ sainyāni pratyabhāṣata bhārata ||
Vaiśampāyana said: When the army had been checked by the Gandharvas, the valiant Dhārtarāṣṭra (Duryodhana), filled with indignation, addressed all his troops—an outburst of wounded pride that foreshadows how unchecked anger and entitlement can cloud judgment and invite further harm.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how amarṣa (resentful indignation) can seize a leader when confronted with humiliation or obstruction. Ethical leadership requires restraint and discernment; otherwise pride-driven reaction escalates conflict and blinds one to wiser courses of action.
During the Vana Parva episode involving the Gandharvas, the Kaurava forces are halted. Duryodhana, described as valiant yet overcome by indignation, turns to address his entire army, setting up the ensuing commands and confrontation.