Shloka 54
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
अवश्यमेव योद्धव्यं सर्वरेव मया सह । युक्त त्वयुक्तमित्येतद् वेत्सि त्वं चैव सर्वदा
avaśyam eva yoddhavyaṃ sarvair eva mayā saha | yuktaṃ tv ayuktam ity etad vetsi tvaṃ caiva sarvadā ||
दुर्योधन उवाच— अवश्यमेव योद्धव्यं सर्वैर् एव मया सह । युक्तं त्वयुक्तमित्येतद् वेत्सि त्वं चैव सर्वदा ॥
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts inevitability of action (the resolve to fight) with ethical discernment (knowing what is right or wrong). It highlights a common Mahabharata tension: commitment to a chosen course versus the responsibility to judge it by dharma.
Duryodhana declares that battle is unavoidable and that he will fight with his supporters. At the same time, he addresses a confidant/adviser, acknowledging that the listener understands the moral propriety or impropriety of the situation—framing the moment as one of counsel amid impending combat.