📿 Shloka Collection

Atra Shura Maheshvasah

Gita 1.4 Bhagavad Gita
📖 Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 1 — Arjuna Vishada Yoga
अत्र शूरा महेष्वासा भीमार्जुनसमा युधि ।
युयुधानो विराटश्च द्रुपदश्च महारथः ॥
Atra shura maheshvasa Bhimarjunasamah yudhi
Yuyudhano Viratashcha Drupadashcha maharathah
अत्र
here (in this army)
शूराः
heroes
महेष्वासाः
mighty bowmen
भीमार्जुनसमाः
equal to Bhima and Arjuna
युधि
in battle
युयुधानः
Yuyudhana (Satyaki)
विराटः
King Virata
द्रुपदः
King Drupada
महारथः
maharathi (great chariot warrior)

Duryodhana begins listing the Pandava warriors by name. He tells Drona: "In their army are heroes and mighty bowmen who are the equal of Bhima and Arjuna in battle." Then he names three: Satyaki, King Virata, and the great chariot warrior Drupada.

Satyaki was a Yadava warrior and a devoted follower of Krishna. King Virata was the ruler in whose kingdom the Pandavas spent their year of hiding in disguise. Drupada was Draupadi's father and a sworn enemy of the Kauravas. All three were seasoned, fearsome fighters.

By naming these warriors to Drona, Duryodhana is sending a message: do not take the opposing army lightly. But the very act of counting the enemy's strength reveals something about Duryodhana himself. His detailed tally reflects both caution and a nervousness he cannot quite conceal.

Shlokas 1.4 through 1.6 present Duryodhana's list of the prominent Pandava warriors. This list is more than military intelligence. It introduces many key characters of the Mahabharata to the reader.

The phrase "Bhimarjunasamah" (equal to Bhima and Arjuna) is revealing. It tells us that Duryodhana considered Bhima and Arjuna the greatest threats on the Pandava side. They were his benchmark for danger.

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