Shloka 18
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
अद्य वः सरथान् साथ्वानशस्त्रो विरथोडपि सन् | नक्षत्राणीव सर्वाणि सविता रात्रिसंक्षये
adya vaḥ sarathān sātvān aśastro viratho 'pi san | nakṣatrāṇīva sarvāṇi savitā rātrisaṃkṣaye ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Hari ini, sekalipun kamu tanpa kereta perang, sekalipun tanpa senjata, sekalipun berdiri hanya sebagai askar berjalan kaki, kamu tetap akan mengatasi dan menggelapkan mereka semua—seperti matahari di hujung malam yang membuat bintang-bintang pudar.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a dawn metaphor to affirm that inner courage and resolve can eclipse external advantages like chariots and weapons; true prowess is not merely equipment-based but grounded in steadfast spirit and purpose in battle.
Sañjaya delivers a rousing assurance to the addressed warriors: even if they are deprived of chariots and arms, they will still overwhelm the opposing side—just as the rising sun causes all stars to disappear at daybreak.