In the pivotal sixth verse of the Bhagavad Gita’s first chapter, often referred to as the Yudhamanyu verse, Duryodhana continues his anxious assessment of the Pandava army. His focus now sharpens on the younger, yet equally formidable, warriors. The Yudhamanyushcha verse is a deliberate tactic to showcase the depth of his enemy’s strength, proving that their power is not just experienced, but also youthful and energetic.
Sanskrit Verse
युधामन्युश्च विक्रान्त उत्तमौजाश्च वीर्यवान् ।
सौभद्रो द्रौपदेयाश्च सर्व एव महारथाः ॥ ६ ॥Transliteration
yudhāmanyuśca vikrānta uttamaujāśca vīryavān
saubhadro draupadeyāśca sarva eva mahārathāḥ || 6 ||Word for Word Translation
yudhāmanyuḥ – Yudhamanyu; ca – and; vikrāntaḥ – mighty; uttamaujāḥ – Uttamauja; ca – and; vīryavān – very powerful; saubhadraḥ – the son of Subhadra; draupadeyāḥ – the sons of Draupadi; ca – and; sarve – all; eva – certainly; mahārathāḥ – great chariot fighters.
English Translation
Also present are the mighty Yudhamanyu, the very powerful Uttamaujas, the son of Subhadra, and the sons of Draupadi. All of them are great chariot fighters.
Explanation
Each Bhagavad Gita verse whispers ancient truths, let’s listen closely with Vedic Stories…
The Yudhamanyushcha verse is a masterclass in psychological warfare. Duryodhana’s speech is designed to unnerve Dronacharya. After naming the senior commanders, he now points to the young lions who possess immense power. He begins with Yudhamanyu, the very warrior who gives the Yudhamanyushcha verse its name, a valiant prince from Panchala sworn to protect Arjuna. Alongside him is the equally powerful Uttamaujas.
But the core message of Yudhamanyushcha goes deeper. Duryodhana names two other key groups:
- The son of Subhadra: This refers to the heroic Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son. A warrior of incredible skill, Abhimanyu was a prodigy whose name alone inspired awe and fear. By mentioning him, Duryodhana reminds Drona that the next generation of Pandavas is already a formidable force.
- The sons of Draupadi (Draupadeyas): These are the five sons of the Pandavas, known as the Upapandavas. Though young, they were trained by the best and carried their fathers’ legacy. Mentioning them as a collective emphasizes the unity and strength of the Pandava lineage. You can learn more about the family dynamics of the Pandavas and their children.
By declaring them all to be “Maharathah” (great chariot fighters), Duryodhana uses a specific military title for elite warriors capable of fighting thousands of men alone. The impact of the Yudhamanyushcha verse lies in its clear and stark military analysis: the Pandava army has no weaknesses, from its generals down to its princes.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Yudhamanyushcha verse teaches us about the pervasive nature of fear and the importance of recognizing strength in all its forms. Duryodhana, blinded by his insecurity, correctly identifies that a true threat lies not only in the established leaders but also in the passion and power of the youth who fight for a cause.
The lesson from Yudhamanyushcha is never to underestimate any aspect of a challenge. Strength comes from unexpected places, and the energy of a new generation can often be the deciding factor in any great conflict. Duryodhana’s fear, while aimed at manipulation, was based on a powerful truth.
Read Next: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 – Verse 7 – Asmakam Tu Vishishta
