Shloka 20
विजितस्तव पुत्रोडपि भीष्मबाहुव्यपाश्रय:
sañjaya uvāca | vijitas tava putro 'pi bhīṣma-bāhu-vyapāśrayaḥ, bhīṣmasya bhujayoḥ āśraye vartamānaḥ tava madonmattaḥ putro duḥśāsanaḥ parājito 'pi punaḥ punaḥ saṃstabhya mahā-vegena yuddham akarot | rājan, arjunaḥ tasmin raṇa-kṣetre yuddham kurvan mahāṃ śobhām avāpa |
Wika ni Sanjaya: Kahit natalo na, ang iyong anak—si Duhshasana—na lasing sa pagmamataas at umaasa sa makapangyarihang mga bisig ni Bhishma, ay paulit-ulit na nagtitibay ng loob at sumasalakay muli sa labanan nang may matinding lakas. O Hari, si Arjuna, habang nakikipagdigma sa larangang iyon, ay nagningning nang lantad—ang kanyang kagitingan ay namukod sa gitna ng salpukan ng mga sandata.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts two inner drives in war: arrogant persistence that leans on another’s might (Duhshasana relying on Bhishma) versus earned radiance through skill and steadfast action (Arjuna’s conspicuous splendour). It implicitly warns that pride and borrowed strength can fuel reckless repetition, while true excellence manifests as clarity and distinction amid chaos.
Sanjaya reports to King Dhritarashtra that Duhshasana, though repeatedly defeated, keeps regaining composure and charging back into combat under the protective support of Bhishma. At the same time, Arjuna is described as standing out brilliantly on the battlefield through his fighting.