Shloka 23
तदस्य कर्मातिमनुष्यकर्मण: समीक्ष्य हृष्टा: कुरवो5भ्यपूजयन् । पराक्रमज्ञास्तु धनंजयस्य ये हुतोडयमग्नाविति ते तु मेनिरे,अलौकिक पराक्रम करनेवाले वृषसेनके इस कर्मको देखकर समस्त कौरव हर्षमें भर गये और उसकी भूरि-भूरि प्रशंसा करने लगे; परंतु जो अर्जुनके पराक्रमको जानते थे, उन्होंने निश्चिरूपसे यह समझ लिया कि अब यह वृषसेन आगकी आहुति बन जायगा
tad asya karmātimanuṣyakarmaṇaḥ samīkṣya hṛṣṭāḥ kuravo 'bhyapūjayan | parākramajñās tu dhanañjayasya ye huto 'yam agnāv iti te tu menire ||
सञ्जय उवाच—तदस्यातिमनुष्यकर्म समीक्ष्य हृष्टाः कुरवोऽभ्यपूजयन्। ये तु धनञ्जयस्य पराक्रमज्ञास्ते निश्चयं मेनिरे—“अयमिदानीं वृषसेनो हुतोऽग्नाविव भविष्यति।”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts surface admiration with informed discernment: crowds celebrate a spectacular feat, but those who understand the true balance of power foresee its consequence. It highlights how knowledge of character and capability leads to clearer moral and strategic judgment amid war.
Vṛṣasena performs an extraordinary martial act that excites the Kauravas, who praise him. Yet observers familiar with Arjuna’s established prowess interpret the moment as ominous foreshadowing—Vṛṣasena is effectively marked for destruction, likened to an oblation already consigned to fire.