Chapter 1, Verse 4 (Bhagavad Gita 1.4)
Chapter 1: Arjun Viṣhād Yog – Arjuna's Dilemma
Sanskrit Shloka
अत्र शूरा महेष्वासा भीमार्जुनसमा युधि। युयुधानो विराटश्च द्रुपदश्च महारथः
Transliteration
atra śhūrā maheṣhvāsā bhīmārjuna-samā yudhi yuyudhāno virāṭaśhcha drupadaśhcha mahā-rathaḥ
Word Meanings
atra—here; śhūrāḥ—powerful warriors; mahā-iṣhu-āsāḥ—great bowmen; bhīma-arjuna-samāḥ—equal to Bheem and Arjun; yudhi—in military prowess; yuyudhānaḥ—Yuyudhan; virāṭaḥ—Virat; cha—and; drupadaḥ—Drupad; cha—also; mahā-rathaḥ—warriors who could single handedly match the strength of ten thousand ordinary warriors;
Translation
Here are heroes, mighty archers, equal in battle to Bhima and Arjuna, Yuyudhana (Satyaki), Virata, and Drupada—all mighty warriors.
Meaning & Commentary
Duryodhana's benchmarking of enemy warriors against Bhima and Arjuna exposes a comparative, ego-driven mindset — he measures all worth in relative terms. This is the hallmark of insecurity: the constant need to compare. A truly confident leader sees strength for what it is, not as a threat. His detailed assessment also shows anxiety dressed as tactical intelligence.