Shloka 326
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
अमन्यत वधे युक्तान् समर्थाश्व सुयोधन: । दुर्योधनने यह मान लिया कि संशप्तकगण तथा कर्ण ये शत्रुधाती अर्जुनके वधमें लगे हुए हैं और इसके लिये वे समर्थ हैं
amanayata vadhe yuktān samarthāś ca suyodhanaḥ |
अमन्यत वधे युक्तान् समर्थांश्च सुयोधनः । संशप्तकान् कर्णसहितानर्जुनवधकाङ्क्षिणः ॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse shows how a leader’s conviction can be shaped by martial calculations—mistaking capability and commitment for moral rightness. It implicitly contrasts strategic confidence with ethical discernment, a recurring Mahābhārata theme where intent (to kill the righteous) carries grave moral weight regardless of tactical strength.
Vaiśampāyana reports Duryodhana’s assessment: he believes the Saṁśaptaka warriors and Karṇa are actively engaged in, and capable of, killing Arjuna. It is a moment of Kaurava expectation that their chosen champions will eliminate a key Pāṇḍava hero.