अस्माकं तु विशिष्टा ये तान्निबोध द्विजोत्तम |
नायका मम सैन्यस्य संज्ञार्थं तान्ब्रवीमि ते ||
Meaning
O best among the twice-born! know the names of those who are the most distinguished amongst the leaders of my army; I tell you their names for your information.
Word to Word Meaning
अस्माकं – Our
तु – but, however
विशिष्टा – distinguished, prominent
ये – those who
तान्निबोध – listen their names
द्विजोत्तम – those who are born twice
नायका – heroes, leaders
मम – my
सैन्यस्य – of army
संज्ञार्थं – for your information
तान्ब्रवीमि – I am telling
ते – you
Widely Accepted Interpretations
- Duryodhana has already spoken about the strengths of enemy’s army. He now turns to talk about strengths of his own army.
- This is to motivate his own army and Dronacharya whom he is addressing
- He addresses, Dronacharya as Dwijjottama. It means one who is born twice. This first birth is referred to as when he was actually born. Second birth here is referred to the sacred thread ceremony of Brahmins, which was considered as the second birth.
- He has called Dronacharya as the best of Dwijjottama which means the best of the Brahmins. Duryodhana shows Dronacharya respect by calling him the “best brahmin”, he also did this to flatter Drona so as to ensure his full commitment.
- Importance of Dronacharya for Kaurav’s army is established in this verse. Now he will start introducing the key members in his own army