Shloka 1
Kṛṣṇopadeśa and Duryodhana’s Challenge
Droṇa-parva, Adhyāya 77
अपना बछ। ] अतणऑशा: षट्सप्ततितमो<ध्याय: अर्जुनके वीरोचित वचन अजुन उवाच षड् रथान् धार्तराष्ट्रस्य मन्यसे यान् बलाधिकान् | तेषां वीर्य ममार्थेन न तुल्यमिति मे मति:
arjuna uvāca | ṣaḍ rathān dhārtarāṣṭrasya manyase yān balādhikān | teṣāṁ vīryaṁ mamārthena na tulyam iti me matiḥ ||
ಅರ್ಜುನನು ಹೇಳಿದನು—ಮಧುಸೂದನ! ಧೃತರಾಷ್ಟ್ರನ ಪುತ್ರರ ಆರು ರಥಿಗಳನ್ನು ನೀನು ಬಲಾಧಿಕರೆಂದು ಭಾವಿಸಿದರೂ, ನನ್ನ ಉದ್ದೇಶದ ತೂಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ವೀರ್ಯವು ಸಮವಲ್ಲವೆಂದು ನನ್ನ ಮತ।
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya resolve: numerical or reputed superiority does not determine righteousness or outcome; steadfast purpose and conviction grounded in one’s duty can outweigh perceived external strength.
In the Drona Parva’s battle setting, Arjuna responds to an assessment that certain Kaurava chariot-warriors are stronger. He counters that their collective prowess is not equal when set against his own aim and determination in the conflict.