Shloka 21
Adhyāya 160: Arjuna’s Envoy-Message—Critique of Borrowed Valor and Pre-dawn Mobilization
प्राच्यै: प्रतीच्यैरथ दाक्षिणात्यै- रुदीच्यकाम्बोजशकै: खशैश्न । शाल्वै: समत्स्यै: कुरुमुख्यदेश्यै- म्लेच्छै: पुलिन्दैद्रविडान्ध्रकाउच्यै:
prācyaiḥ pratīcyair atha dākṣiṇātyair udīcyakāmbojśakaiḥ khaśaiś ca | śālvaiḥ samatsyaiḥ kurumukhyadeśyaiḥ mlecchaiḥ pulindair draviḍāndhrakāñcyaiḥ ||
Wika ni Ulūka: “Ang hukbo ng mga Kaurava—mahirap lusubin, maayos ang hanay na tila hukbo ng mga diyos—ay binabantayan sa lahat ng panig ng mga hari ng Silangan, Kanluran, Timog, at Hilaga; at ng mga Kāmboja, Śaka, Khaśa, Śālva, Matsya, mga Kuru at mga mandirigma ng gitnang lupain, kasama ang mga Mleccha, Pulinda, Draviḍa, Āndhra, at mga tao ng Kāñcī. Hindi ba ninyo nauunawaan ang lakas ng hukbong yaong parang karagatan—na kumakapit kayo sa sariling pananaw na gaya ng palakang nasa balon?”
उलूक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how narrow perspective distorts judgment: Ulūka mocks the opponent as a kūpa-maṇḍūka (‘frog in a well’) for underestimating a vast, well-supported force. Ethically, it warns that pride and limited viewpoint can lead to reckless decisions, especially in matters of war.
Ulūka, speaking for the Kauravas, lists the many regional allies guarding Duryodhana’s army and claims it is as formidable and organized as the gods’ host. The speech functions as intimidation and propaganda, aiming to shake the resolve of the opposing side by emphasizing numbers, breadth of support, and military preparedness.