अपर्याप्तं तदस्माकं बलं भीष्माभिरक्षितम् |
पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषां बलं भीमाभिरक्षितम् ||
Meaning
This army of ours protected by Bhishma is sufficient to defeat Pandavs, whereas that army of theirs protected by Bhima is insufficient to defeat us.
Word to Word Meaning
अपर्याप्तं – Insufficient, inadequate
तदस्माकं – that our
बलं – army
भीष्माभिरक्षितम् – protected, guarded by Bhishma
पर्याप्तं – sufficient
त्विदमेतेषां – their
बलं – army
भीमाभिरक्षितम् – protected by Bhima
Widely Accepted Interpretations
Duryodhan is comparing the two armies in this shlok.
There are two interpretations of this shlok
1- Duryodhan is saying that his army is sufficient to defeat Pandav’s army, while Pandav’s army is insufficient to defeat Kaurav’s army.
2- Duryodhan is saying that his army is insufficient to defeat Pandav’s army, while Pandav’s army is sufficient to defeat Kaurav’s army.
Interpretation 1
- In this interpretation ‘अपर्याप्तं’ means unlimited, immeasurable. Duryodhan is saying that his army is unlimited in strength.
- He is pointing out that his army has very large number of soldiers and large number of warriors. On the other hand Pandav’s army is small with less warriors.
Interpretation 2
- In this interpretation ‘अपर्याप्तं’ means insufficient, small. Duryodhan is saying that his army is insufficient to defeat Pandavs.
- Although Pandavs have small army but they are more determined and have strength of purpose. Their strength is in unity, moral righteousness and guidance of Lord Krishna. Thus even though they are limited in number but are sufficient to defeat Kauravs
- Bhishma fought for Kauravs out of his unbreakable oath to the throne, but he had a lot of affection for Pandavs as well. Even though his strength was unlimited but his emotional conflict limited his commitment to the battle.