Shloka 183
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
तेजसा नाशयिष्यामि स्थिरीभवत पाण्डवा: । 'पाण्डवो! स्थिर होकर खड़े रहो। आज मैं अस्त्र-शस्त्र एवं रथसे हीन होकर भी घोड़ों और रथोंपर चढ़कर आये हुए तुम सब लोगोंको उसी तरह अपने तेजसे नष्ट कर दूँगा
tejasā nāśayiṣyāmi sthirībhavata pāṇḍavāḥ |
सञ्जय उवाच—तेजसा नाशयिष्यामि स्थिरीभवत पाण्डवाः। अद्याहं रथहीनोऽस्त्रहीनश्चापि तेजसा वो नाशयिष्यामि यथा निशान्ते रविर्नक्षत्राणि॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the battlefield ethic of steadfastness (sthairya) under threat and the use of ‘tejas’—inner force, confidence, and commanding presence—as a decisive factor in conflict. It also cautions that power can be asserted through intimidation and psychological dominance, not only through external weapons.
In the Shalya Parva war setting, a speaker issues a challenge to the Pāṇḍavas, urging them to stand firm while proclaiming he will annihilate them through sheer ‘tejas,’ illustrated by the simile of the Sun eclipsing the stars at dawn.