Shloka 19
अक्षदेवन-प्रवर्तनम् | Commencement of the Dice Game
धृष्टद्युम्न: पाण्डवाश्व॒ सात्यकि: केशवोडष्टम: । सत्त्वस्था वीर्यसम्पन्ना हाुन्योन्यप्रियदर्शना:
dhṛṣṭadyumnaḥ pāṇḍavāś ca sātyakiḥ keśavo ’ṣṭamaḥ | sattvasthā vīryasampannā hy anyonyapriyadarśanāḥ ||
धृष्टद्युम्नः पाण्डवाश्च पञ्च सात्यकिश्च केशवोऽष्टमः। एते एव धैर्येण स्थिरा बभूवुः; सर्वे सत्त्वस्थाः वीर्यसम्पन्नाः परस्परप्रियदर्शनाः।
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical strength of steadfastness and mutual goodwill: true power is not only martial valor (vīrya) but also inner composure (sattva) and loyal, harmonious cooperation among allies.
Duryodhana points out a select group—Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the five Pāṇḍavas, Sātyaki, and Kṛṣṇa—who remain firm and united, emphasizing their courage, capability, and mutual affection as a cohesive force.