Geethartha Chinthane 56: Duryodhana’s Mental Imbalance

Team Udayavani, Oct 6, 2024, 2:47 PM IST

Bhimarjuna, Yuyudhana, Virata, Drupada, Drishtaketu, Chekitana, Kashiraja, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, Shaibya, Yudhamanyu, and Abhimanyu (Saubhadra) are referred to by Duryodhana as Maharathis in the Pandava army. If his list is mentioned from verses 4 to 7 of the Gita, in verses 8-9, he describes the warriors on his side: Drona, Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, Ashwatthama, Vikarna, and Saumadatta. He lists about 18 names from the Pandava side, and seven from his own side.

The fact that Duryodhana sees fewer leaders in his army of 11 Akshauhinis, but more leaders in the Pandava army of seven Akshauhinis, is a sign of his mental imbalance. He considers Bhimarjuna (Bhima and Arjuna) as equals among the Pandavas. Yuyudhana is a young warrior, Abhimanyu is still a boy, and the rest are elderly. Among them, Virata and Drupada have previously been defeated by Bhimarjuna.

While reciting the list of Kaurava leaders, Duryodhana first mentions Drona, leaving out Bhishma, the commander-in-chief, which reveals a cunning strategy. When one is afraid, the small appears large; when there is affection, the large appears small.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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