Shloka 2
Vāg-yuddha and Nimitta-darśana before the Gadāyuddha
Verbal Duel and Omens
धृतराष्ट्र रवाच राम॑ संनिहितं दृष्टवा गदायुद्ध उपस्थिते । मम पुत्र: कथं भीम॑ प्रत्ययुध्यत संजय
Dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca—Rāmaṃ saṃnihitaṃ dṛṣṭvā gadāyuddha upasthite | mama putraḥ kathaṃ Bhīmaṃ pratyayudhyata Sañjaya ||
Sinabi ni Dhṛtarāṣṭra: “Sañjaya, nang magsimula ang tunggalian ng pamalo (mace) at nakita kong naroon sa malapit si Rāma (Balarāma), sa anong paraan nakipaglaban ang aking anak kay Bhīmasena sa sagupaan?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how attachment and partiality shape perception in war: Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s concern is centered on “my son,” even as a formal duel unfolds under the scrutiny of an eminent elder (Balarāma). It sets up reflection on the ethics of regulated combat (gadāyuddha) and the role of respected witnesses in upholding—or questioning—dharma in battle.
As the climactic mace-duel between Bhīma and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son (Duryodhana) is underway, Dhṛtarāṣṭra asks Sañjaya to describe how Duryodhana fought, noting that Balarāma has come near and is observing the contest.