पश्यैतां पाण्डुपुत्राणामाचार्य महतीं चमूम् ।
व्यूढां द्रुपदपुत्रेण तव शिष्येण धीमता ।। 3।।
paśhyaitāṁ pāṇḍu-putrāṇām āchārya mahatīṁ chamūm
vyūḍhāṁ drupada-putreṇa tava śhiṣhyeṇa dhīmatā
English Translation : Duryodhan said: Respected teacher! Behold the mighty army of the sons of Pandu, so expertly arrayed for battle by your own gifted disciple, the son of Drupad.
Duryodhana Questions Dronacharya’s Impartiality
The atmosphere was tense as the Kaurava and Pandava armies faced each other, poised for the greatest war of the era. Duryodhana surveyed the enemy forces, his eyes fixating on their commander Dhristadyumna. Recognizing Dhristadyumna’s formidable skills in arranging the mighty Pandava army’s formation, Duryodhana turned to his mentor, Dronacharya.
With a mixture of awe and subtle menace, Duryodhana drew Dronacharya’s attention to the enemy ranks. His words carried an underlying message, reminding the legendary guru of a troubled history with Dhristadyumna and his father, King Drupada.
Years earlier, Dronacharya had defeated Drupada in battle, claiming half his kingdom. Humiliated, the vengeful Drupada had performed intense rituals to sire a son destined to slay Dronacharya. That son was Dhristadyumna. Despite knowing the existential threat Dhristadyumna posed, Dronacharya had taken him as a student when the time came, imparting his full wisdom without prejudice.
As battle lines were drawn, Duryodhana’s words rang with doubt and cautionary undertones. Was the great Dronacharya capable of maintaining his legendary impartiality and fighting with full force against his talented pupil? Or would past debts and sentiments render him unable to strike Dhristadyumna?
The unspoken worry lingered – if Dronacharya faltered even slightly against the Pandavas and their commander, it could prove disastrous for the Kaurava clan’s ambitions. Duryodhana’s provocation served as a harsh reminder that on the battlefield, old ties must be severed for victory to be achieved.
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