Shloka 16
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 42 — Duryodhana’s counsel to Bhīṣma on ajñātavāsa risk and raid strategy
निस्त्रिंशो5यं गुरु: पीत: सायक: परनिर्व्रण: । कस्यायमसित: खड््गो हेमबिन्दुभिरावृत:
nistriṁśo ’yaṁ guruḥ pītaḥ sāyakaḥ paranirvraṇaḥ | kasyāyam asitaḥ khaḍgo hemabindubhir āvṛtaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Uttara: “Mabigat at may dilaw na kulay ang espadang ito; ang palasong ito’y tagapaglikha ng nakamamatay na sugat sa kaaway. Kanino ang maitim na talim na ito na nababalutan ng mga tuldok na ginto?”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment and responsibility in the use of power: before taking up weapons, one should know their owner and purpose, reflecting caution and ethical awareness amid impending conflict.
Uttara examines the weapons at hand—remarking on a heavy, golden-hued sword and a foe-wounding arrow—and asks whose dark, gold-studded blade it is, indicating a moment of preparation and identification of martial equipment.