Shloka 393
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
गदां परामृशद् धीमान् धार्तराष्ट्री महाबल: । इसके बाद महाबली बुद्धिमान् दुर्योधनने लोहेकी बनी हुई वह सुवर्णभूषित भारी गदा हाथमें ली
gadāṁ parāmṛśad dhīmān dhārtarāṣṭrī mahābalaḥ |
Sabi ni Sañjaya: Pagkaraan nito, ang marunong at makapangyarihang anak ni Dhṛtarāṣṭra ay hinawakan ang kanyang pamalo—mabigat, hinubog sa bakal, at pinalamutian ng ginto. Sa malupit na batas ng digmaan, ang sandaling ito’y tanda ng sinadyang paghahanda ni Duryodhana: piliin ang landas ng sagupaan sa lakas at husay sa sandata, sa halip na umurong o makipagkasundo.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights resolve and preparedness in one’s chosen duty: Duryodhana consciously takes up his weapon, embodying the kṣatriya ideal of facing conflict directly—while also reminding readers that wisdom and strength can be directed toward destructive ends when guided by pride and enmity.
Sañjaya reports that Duryodhana, the powerful son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, takes up his heavy, gold-adorned iron mace, signaling his readiness for the impending mace-fight and the climactic confrontation of the war.