अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम् |

पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम् || 10 ||

Transliteration:

Aparyāptaṁ tad asmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam

paryāptaṁ tvidam eteṣāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣitam

Word-by-Word Meaning:

– अपर्याप्तं (aparyāptam): immeasurable, unlimited

– तत् (tat): that

– अस्माकं (asmākaṁ): our

– बलं (balaṁ): strength, army

– भीष्म-अभिरक्षितम् (bhīṣma-abhirakṣitam): protected by Bhishma

– पर्याप्तं (paryāptam): limited, sufficient

– तु (tu): but

– इदम् (idam): this

– एतेषां (eteṣāṁ): their, of these (Pandavas)

– बलं (balaṁ): strength, army

– भीम-अभिरक्षितम् (bhīma-abhirakṣitam): protected by Bhima

Explanation:

In this shloka, Duryodhana contrasts the strength of his own army with that of the Pandavas. He expresses his confidence in the prowess and protection provided by Bhishma while acknowledging the strength of the Pandava army under Bhima.

1. Our Army is Immeasurable:

   – Aparyāptaṁ tad asmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam: Duryodhana asserts that his army, protected by the great warrior Bhishma, is immeasurable or unlimited. This reflects his confidence in the strength and capabilities of his forces.

2. Their Army is Limited:

   – Paryāptaṁ tvidam eteṣāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣitam: In contrast, Duryodhana describes the Pandava army, protected by Bhima, as limited or sufficient. This suggests that while he acknowledges their strength, he considers it lesser in comparison to his own forces.

Detailed Explanation:

This shloka highlights Duryodhana’s perception of the relative strengths of the Kaurava and Pandava armies. 

– Confidence in Bhishma: Duryodhana places immense confidence in Bhishma, who is not only a legendary warrior but also a symbol of invincibility and strategic prowess. The term “aparyāptaṁ” implies that the Kaurava army, under Bhishma’s protection, is boundless and overwhelming in strength.

– Acknowledgment of Bhima: While Duryodhana recognizes Bhima’s strength and the capability of the Pandava army, he uses the term “paryāptaṁ” to indicate that their strength is finite or just enough. This reflects his belief that, despite their power, the Pandavas are not as formidable as the Kauravas.

The contrast Duryodhana draws between the two armies serves multiple purposes:

1. Boosting Morale: By emphasizing the immeasurable strength of his own forces, Duryodhana aims to boost the morale of his commanders and soldiers, reinforcing their belief in an inevitable victory.

2. Strategic Perspective: Acknowledging the strength of the Pandavas, albeit in a limited manner, shows that Duryodhana is not underestimating his opponents. This awareness is crucial for maintaining vigilance and strategic planning.

3. Psychological Impact: Duryodhana’s assertion of his army’s superiority serves to psychologically bolster his side while potentially undermining the confidence of the Pandavas, should they hear of his statements.

This shloka thus encapsulates the confidence and strategic mindset of Duryodhana as he prepares for the great battle, highlighting his reliance on Bhishma and the perceived superiority of the Kaurava forces.