Gita : Ch-1. Slo-10.





Srimad Bhagavad-Gta :


Chapter-1. ( Arjuna-Vishadha-yogam )


Slokam-10. ( Our army protected by the strength of Bhishma is unlimited; but the army of  the Pandavas being protected by the strength  of Bhima is limited. )



Apariyaaptam    tamasmaakam    bhalam    bhishmabirakshitam,



Pariyaaptam    tvidameteshaam     bhalam     bhimabirakshitam.




Bhishmabirakshitam     =     Protected    by Bhishma;

Asmaakam     =     Our army;

Apariyaaptam     =     Is  (strongest, greatest, best and ) more than enough to defeat Pandavas ;

Bhimabirakshitam     =     Protected by Bhima; 

Aetesham    idam    bhalam    tu     =     their army;

Priyaaptam     =     (Has limitations, not so great,  and weak) not enough to defeat Kouravas.  



Our strength is immeasurable, and we are perfectly protected by Grandfather Bhishma, whereas the strength of the Pandavas, carefully protected by Bhima, is limited.


Apart from the commander in chief of an army, there will be one very special, strong, outstanding war expert will be there for any army. For the Kourava's army, Bhishma, and for Pandavas, Bhima.


Duryodhana is implying that allthough his army is mighty it is insufficient due to the fact that Bhishmadeva being affectionate to the Pandavas as well as the Kauravas is not totally committed to victory for him; but Bhima being completely committed to the defeat of the Kauravas makes the victory of the Pandavas stronger and more likely to be successful. 


Now the question arises that if the armies on both sides were equal in might, how is it possible that victory is assured? Duryodhana gives the answer in this verse by using the word aparyantam in the sense of being unlimited. Duryodhana to conceal his fear exclaims that his army is unlimited and moreover they are protected by Bhishma who is the most intelligent and a maha-ratha; whereas the Pandava army protected by Bhima of less intelligence is limited. This is why the Kaurava victory is assured. 


So it may also be put forth that if Duryodhana is so convinced of his superiority then why does he need to assure himself. In this verse although he states his army is unlimited by its tone it implies by his reply that the army of his with all the mighty heroes previously mentioned protected by Bhishma seems inadequate, whereas the army of the Pandavas which is protected by Bhima seems adequate to him. 


Herein an estimation of comparative strength is made by Duryodhana. He thinks that the strength of his armed forces is immeasurable, being specifically protected by the most experienced general, Grandfather Bhishma. On the other hand, the forces of the Pandavas are limited, being protected by a less experienced general, Bhima, who is like a fig in the presence of Bhishma. Duryodhana was always envious of Bhima because he knew perfectly well that if he should die at all, he would only be killed by Bhima. But at the same time, he was confident of his victory on account of the presence of Bhishma, who was a far superior general. His conclusion that he would come out of the battle victorious was well ascertained.

To be continued ...

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