Shloka 39
Gadā-yuddhe Bhīma–Duryodhanayoḥ Tumulaḥ Saṃprahāraḥ
Mace-duel’s intense exchange
न हि दुर्योधन: क्षुद्र केनचित् त्वद्धिधेन वै । शक्यस्त्रासयितुं वाचा यथान्य: प्राकृतो नर:
na hi duryodhanaḥ kṣudraḥ kenacit tvaddhitena vai | śakyas trāsayituṁ vācā yathānyaḥ prākṛto naraḥ ||
సంజయుడు అన్నాడు—దుర్యోధనుడు చిన్నమనిషి కాదు; నీ వంటి వాడెవడైనా, అతని మేలుకోసమైనా, మాటలతో సాధారణ మనిషిలా అతన్ని భయపెట్టలేడు.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical and psychological truth: a person hardened by pride and stubbornness may not be corrected even by well-intentioned advice. Moral counsel works only when there is receptivity; otherwise, even ‘for your own good’ words fail to restrain destructive choices.
Sañjaya characterizes Duryodhana’s temperament for the listener: unlike ordinary people who might be deterred by admonition, Duryodhana cannot be intimidated or turned back through speech, even if the speech is meant for his welfare. This explains why attempts at negotiation or warning do not alter his course in the war.