Adhyāya 33: Rauhiṇeya (Balarāma) is welcomed and takes his seat to witness the gadā-engagement
बली भीम: समर्थश्न कृती राजा सुयोधन:
balī bhīmaḥ samarthaś ca kṛtī rājā suyodhanaḥ
சஞ்சயன் கூறினான்—பீமன் வலிமையும் திறனும் உடையவன்; அதுபோல அரசன் சுயோதனனும் உறுதியும் திறமையும் கொண்டவன்.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights that prowess and capability are not exclusive to the morally superior side; ethical evaluation in the Mahābhārata depends not only on strength but on intention, choices, and adherence to dharma.
Sañjaya briefly characterizes the principal warriors/leaders: Bhīma as mighty and capable, and Suyodhana (Duryodhana) as a resourceful king—setting a balanced tone while describing the conflict’s formidable opponents.