Shloka 18
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
अद्य वः सरथान् साथ्वानशस्त्रो विरथोडपि सन् | नक्षत्राणीव सर्वाणि सविता रात्रिसंक्षये
adya vaḥ sarathān sātvān aśastro viratho 'pi san | nakṣatrāṇīva sarvāṇi savitā rātrisaṃkṣaye ||
桑阇耶说道：“今日，即便你们无战车，即便你们无兵刃，即便你们只是步卒而立，你们仍将光耀夺目，压过并遮没他们所有人——正如长夜将尽之时，太阳升起，使群星尽皆黯淡。”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a dawn metaphor to affirm that inner courage and resolve can eclipse external advantages like chariots and weapons; true prowess is not merely equipment-based but grounded in steadfast spirit and purpose in battle.
Sañjaya delivers a rousing assurance to the addressed warriors: even if they are deprived of chariots and arms, they will still overwhelm the opposing side—just as the rising sun causes all stars to disappear at daybreak.