Vāg-yuddha and Nimitta-darśana before the Gadāyuddha
Verbal Duel and Omens
रराज राजन पुत्रस्ते काउचन: शैलराडिव । तत्पश्चात् दुर्योधन भी सिरपर टोप लगाये सोनेका कवच बाँधे भीमके साथ युद्धके लिये डट गया। राजन! उस समय आपका पुत्र सुवर्णमय गिरिराज मेरुके समान शोभा पा रहा था
sañjaya uvāca | rarāja rājan putras te kauravaḥ śailarāḍ iva | tataḥ paścāt duryodhanaḥ śirasi ṭopaṃ lagāyya suvarṇakaṃ kavacaṃ baddhvā bhīmena saha yuddhāya samudyataḥ | rājan! tadā tava putraḥ suvarṇamayaḥ girirājo merur iva śobhāṃ prāpa |
Wika ni Sanjaya: O Hari, ang iyong anak na Kaurava ay nagningning na parang panginoon ng mga bundok. Pagkaraan, si Duryodhana, isinuot ang panakip-ulo at itinali ang ginintuang baluti, ay tumindig nang matatag, handang makipaglaban kay Bhīma. O Hari, noon ang iyong anak ay maringal—gaya ng ginintuang Bundok Meru—na nagliliwanag sa karangyaan ng isang makapangyarihang taluktok.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the contrast between external splendor and inner ethical burden: martial readiness and dazzling appearance do not by themselves confer righteousness; the moral quality of one’s cause and conduct in war remains decisive.
Sanjaya describes Duryodhana preparing for combat with Bhima—donning a headpiece and golden armor—and portrays him as shining like Mount Meru, emphasizing his formidable, mountain-like presence before the impending duel.