Shloka 42
इरावानपि खड्गेन दर्शयन् पाणिलाघवम् | अभ्यवर्तत तान् सर्वान् सौबलान् बलदर्पित:,इरावान् भी बलके अभिमानमें उन्मत्त हो अपने हाथोंकी फुर्ती दिखाता हुआ खड़्गके द्वारा उन समस्त सुबलपुत्रोंका सामना करने लगा
irāvān api khaḍgena darśayan pāṇilāghavam | abhyavartata tān sarvān saubalān baladarpitaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Irāvān too, displaying the swift dexterity of his hands with his sword, advanced to meet all those Saubalas. Intoxicated with the pride of strength, he pressed into the fray—an image of youthful valor that, in war, can easily slide from courage into overconfidence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring ethical tension in the Mahābhārata: martial skill and courage are admirable, but when fueled by baladarpita—pride in strength—they can become a moral vulnerability, leading to rashness and downfall.
Sañjaya describes Irāvān entering combat, brandishing his sword and demonstrating quick handwork as he advances to confront all the Saubala warriors (the Gāndhāra side), driven by confidence and pride in his power.