Aparyaptam Tad Asmakam

This shloka is famous for its double meaning. On the surface, Duryodhana seems to boast: "Our army, protected by Bhishma, is unlimited in strength, while theirs, protected by Bhima, is limited." Read this way, it is a confident declaration.

But the Sanskrit words cut both ways. "Aparyaptam" can mean "unlimited" or "insufficient." "Paryaptam" can mean "limited" or "sufficient." Flip the meanings, and the verse reads: "Our army is insufficient, while theirs is sufficient." Many scholars believe Duryodhana accidentally let his real fear slip out through this ambiguity.

The names Bhishma and Bhima echo each other deliberately. Bhishma commands the Kaurava side; Bhima is the Pandavas' mightiest warrior. Two similar-sounding names, two opposing armies. Duryodhana tries to tip the scales in his favor with words, but the uncertainty in his language tells a different story.

This is the concluding verse of Duryodhana's speech. After this, Bhishma blows his conch to signal the start of battle. The ambiguity of the word "aparyaptam" has been debated by commentators for centuries.

In terms of numbers, the Kaurava army had eleven akshauhinis (divisions) while the Pandavas had seven. By sheer count, the Kauravas were larger. Yet in the end, it was the side of dharma that prevailed.