अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम्। पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम्।।1.10।।
The strength of our army is unlimited and we are safely marshalled by Grandsire Bhīṣma, while the strength of the Pandava army, carefully marshalled by Bhīma, is limited.
Translation
Duryodhana said: The strength of our army is unlimited, protected under the leadership of Grandfather Bhīṣma. On the other hand, the Pandava army, carefully marshalled by Bhīma, is limited in strength.
Word Meanings
aparyāptam — unlimited tat — that asmākam — ours balam — strength bhīṣhma — by Grandsire Bhīṣma abhirakṣhitam — safely marshalled paryāptam — limited tu — but idam — this eteṣām — their balam — strength bhīma — by Bhīma abhirakṣhitam — carefully marshalled
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Duryodhana continues his evaluation of the two armies. He expresses his belief that the Kaurava army, under the leadership of his Grandfather Bhīṣma, is unlimited in strength. He contrasts this with the Pandava army, which, though carefully marshalled by Bhīma, is limited in power. Duryodhana’s confidence stems from his belief in Bhīṣma’s invincibility due to the extraordinary boon he had received, which allowed him to choose the moment of his own death. This boon made Bhīṣma appear practically immortal, and in Duryodhana’s eyes, this made the Kaurava army unbeatable. Key Points in Duryodhana’s Statement: Unshakable Confidence: Duryodhana boasts about the unlimited strength of his army, which he attributes to Bhīṣma’s leadership. This exaggeration reveals his overwhelming confidence, perhaps even arrogance, in the Kaurava army’s superiority. Comparison with Pandavas: Duryodhana downplays the strength of the Pandava army by claiming it is limited. He focuses on the fact that while the Kaurava army is marshalled by Bhīṣma, the Pandava army is under the command of Bhīma, his cousin, and rival. While Bhīma is a formidable warrior, Duryodhana subtly suggests that his leadership is not as powerful as Bhīṣma’s. Bhīṣma’s Role: The verse emphasizes that Bhīṣma’s leadership gives the Kaurava army a sense of security and invincibility. As the commander of the Kaurava forces, Bhīṣma was not only a revered figure but also the moral pillar for the Kauravas, despite his internal conflict over fighting against his own family (the Pandavas). Duryodhana’s Overconfidence: This statement, however, is laced with hubris. Duryodhana is convinced of his army’s invincibility but fails to acknowledge that victory is not guaranteed simply by strength alone. In fact, the Pandavas, although seemingly "limited" in strength, have the blessing of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Being, who stands with them in the battle for righteousness. Bhīṣma’s Dilemma: Bhīṣma’s leadership is marked by an inner conflict. Although he is bound by his duty to the Kaurava throne and has a strong sense of commitment to the family, Bhīṣma is also deeply compassionate toward the Pandavas, whom he loves as his own grandchildren. This tragic irony underscores the complexity of his character. The Role of Dharma: Duryodhana's boast about the Kaurava army’s strength contrasts with the reality of the situation. The Pandavas, despite their seemingly inferior position, are on the side of Dharma (righteousness), while the Kauravas are fighting for Adharma (unrighteousness). The presence of Lord Krishna with the Pandavas, representing the ultimate force of good, means that no amount of worldly strength, however invincible it seems, can overcome divine intervention.
