Shloka 17
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
स द्रोणभीष्मावायातौ सहेदिति मतिर्मम । स हि दिव्यास्त्रविद् राजा सखा चाड्रिरसो नृप:
sa droṇabhīṣmāv āyātau sahed iti matir mama | sa hi divyāstravid rājā sakhā cādriraso nṛpaḥ ||
ವೈಶಂಪಾಯನನು ಹೇಳಿದನು—“ದ್ರೋಣನೂ ಭೀಷ್ಮನೂ ನನ್ನ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಬಂದರೂ ನಾನು ಸಹಿಸುವೆನು—ಇದೇ ನನ್ನ ಸಂಕಲ್ಪ. ಏಕೆಂದರೆ ಆ ರಾಜನು ದಿವ್ಯಾಸ್ತ್ರವಿದನು; ಹಾಗೆಯೇ, ಓ ನೃಪ, ಪರ್ವತಜ (ಯೋಧ)ನ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತನೂ ಹೌದು.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfast resolve in the face of formidable opponents. Ethically, it reflects a kṣatriya ideal: to uphold one’s duty and commitment even when confronted by revered elders and masters skilled in divine weaponry.
The speaker reports a determination to endure even if the great warriors Droṇa and Bhīṣma advance. The verse also notes that a certain king is expert in celestial weapons and is allied as a friend to a ‘mountain-born’ figure, indicating the strategic weight of alliances and martial expertise in the unfolding conflict.