Shloka 25
Adhyāya 160: Arjuna’s Envoy-Message—Critique of Borrowed Valor and Pre-dawn Mobilization
यदीदं कत्थनाललोके सिध्येत् कर्म धनंजय । सर्वे भवेयु: सिद्धार्था: कत्थने को हि दुर्गतः,“धनंजय! यदि जगतमें अपनी झूठी प्रशंसा करनेसे ही अभीष्ट कार्यकी सिद्धि हो जाती, तब तो सब लोग सिद्धकाम हो जाते; क्योंकि बातें बनानेमें कौन दरिद्र और दुर्बल होगा?
yadīdaṃ katthanāl loke sidhyet karma dhanaṃjaya | sarve bhaveyuḥ siddhārthāḥ katthane ko hi durgataḥ ||
यदीदं कत्थनाल्लोके सिध्येत् कर्म धनंजय। सर्वे भवेयुः सिद्धार्थाः, कत्थने को हि दुर्गतः॥
उलूक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts empty boasting with real accomplishment: mere self-praise cannot produce success; ethical worth and true capability are proved by action, not by words.
Ulūka addresses Arjuna in a taunting, provocative tone, implying that Arjuna’s claims or reputation mean nothing unless matched by actual deeds—part of the hostile exchange surrounding the impending war.