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“Pride counts its own strength when fear is near.”
O best of the twice-born, note also our own chief warriors. I name them to remind you of our army.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyour · but/also · distinguished, chief · who · them · know, note · O best of the twice-born · leaders, chiefs · of my · of the army · for the sake of recognition, to remind · them · I speak, I name · to you
Duryodhana tells Drona to notice the main warriors on his own side too. He is naming them so they can be recognised before the battle.
Duryodhana speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Arjuna Vishada Yoga" (The Yoga of Arjuna's Despair).
Verse 7 sits in Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita — Arjuna Vishada Yoga, "The Yoga of Arjuna's Despair". The chapter has 47 verses in total.
Before a tense meeting, someone starts reciting names, titles, and achievements to prove the team is strong. The real feeling underneath is fear of being outmatched.
Did you like this verse?
It shows how anxiety hides inside boasting and turns into a need to count allies.
What this verse means
Duryodhana tells Drona to notice the main warriors on his own side too. He is naming them so they can be recognised before the battle.
Context & commentary
On Kurukshetra, the armies stand ready and Duryodhana keeps speaking to Drona. After naming the Pandava heroes, he now turns to his own commanders and begins listing them so the teacher sees the strength of his side.
Why this verse still matters
Before a tense meeting, someone starts reciting names, titles, and achievements to prove the team is strong. The real feeling underneath is fear of being outmatched.
“Even pride wants an audience. He is not just listing names; he is trying to steady his side.”
Explore related themes: kurukshetra (95 verses), battlefield (20 verses), duryodhana (12 verses)