Shloka 23
Śalya’s Consecration as Senāpati and Kṛṣṇa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira (शल्यस्य सेनापत्यभिषेकः)
ततो दुर्योधनो भूमौ स्थित्वा रथवरे स्थितम्
tato duryodhano bhūmau sthitvā rathavare sthitam | yatra mitram amitraṃ vā parīkṣante budhā janāḥ ||
Sabi ni Sañjaya: Pagkaraan nito, si Duryodhana, na nakatayo sa lupa, ay nagsalita sa haring nakaupo sa isang napakahusay na karwaheng pandigma—sa sandaling sinusuri at sinusubok ng mga pantas kung ang isa’y tunay na kaibigan o kaaway. Sa bigat ng dharma sa larangan ng digmaan, inihayag ni Duryodhana ang darating na gawa bilang isang mapagpasiyang pagsubok ng katapatan at panig.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that crises—especially war—reveal true allegiance: wise people judge whether someone acts as a genuine friend or effectively as an enemy, based on conduct rather than claims.
Sañjaya describes Duryodhana approaching and speaking to a king seated on a fine chariot, presenting the moment as a decisive test of friendship versus enmity in the unfolding battle situation.