Shloka 21
Adhyāya 10: Śrutakarmā’s Engagements; Prativindhya–Citra Duel; Drauṇi Advances toward Bhīma
स्वं मनः समवस्थाप्य बाहुवीर्यमुपाश्रित: । दुर्योधनो महाराज राधेयमिदमब्रवीत्,भरतनन्दन! भीष्म और द्रोणाचार्यके मारे जानेपर कर्ण पाण्डवोंको जीत लेगा, इस आशाको हृदयमें रखकर दुर्योधनको बड़ी सान्त्वना मिली। महाराज! वह अभश्व॒त्थामाके उस प्रिय वचनको सुनकर बड़ा प्रसन्न हुआ। तत्पश्चात् अपने बाहुबलका आश्रय ले मनको सुस्थिर करके दुर्योधनने राधापुत्र कर्णसे बड़े प्रेम और सत्कारके साथ अपने लिये हितकर यथार्थ और मंगलकारक वचन इस प्रकार कहा--
svam manaḥ samavasthāpya bāhuvīryam upāśritaḥ | duryodhano mahārāja rādheyam idam abravīt bharatanandana ||
Sañjaya berkata: Maka Raja Duryodhana, setelah meneguhkan hatinya sendiri dan bersandar pada kekuatan lengannya, berkata kepada Radheya (Karṇa) demikian, wahai yang terbaik di antara keturunan Bharata. Sesudah Bhīṣma dan Droṇa gugur, Duryodhana mengumpulkan dirinya—mencari keyakinan pada keberanian peribadi dan pada sokongan Karṇa—agar harapan dan tekad menggantikan dukacita serta keraguan di tengah kancah perang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a warrior-king’s attempt to regain inner steadiness (manaḥ-samavasthāna) by leaning on perceived sources of strength—here, personal martial prowess and a trusted ally. Ethically, it shows how leadership in crisis often turns to confidence-building and strategic reassurance, even when the larger war is driven by contested dharma.
After major commanders have fallen, Duryodhana composes himself and turns to Karna (Radheya) to speak in a way meant to be beneficial and auspicious for his cause. Sanjaya reports this to Dhritarashtra, marking a transition into Duryodhana’s address to Karna.