Shloka 20
Droṇācāryaḥ Senāpatiḥ
Droṇa Appointed Commander-in-Chief
एष सेनाप्रणेतृणामेष शस्त्रभूतामपि | एष बुद्धिमतां चैव श्रेष्ठो राजन् गुरुस्तव,राजन! तुम्हारे ये गुरुदेव समस्त सेनापतियों, शस्त्रधारियों और बुद्धिमानोंमें श्रेष्ठ हैं
eṣa senāpraṇetṝṇām eṣa śastrabhūtām api | eṣa buddhimatāṁ caiva śreṣṭho rājan gurus tava ||
एष सेनाप्रणेतॄणामेष शस्त्रभृतामपि। एष बुद्धिमतां चैव श्रेष्ठो राजन् गुरुः तव॥
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse elevates the guru as the highest authority in war—superior in command, weapon-skill, and intellect—implying that rightful strategy and conduct should be anchored in reverence for disciplined expertise and established guidance.
In the Drona Parva context, Karna addresses the king (Duryodhana) to emphasize the exceptional stature of their teacher (Droṇa), reinforcing confidence in his leadership and urging deference to him amid the unfolding battle decisions.