Shloka 243
धृतराष्ट्र–संजय संवादः: कर्ण–घटोत्कचयोर्निशायुद्धवर्णनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya Dialogue: Description of the Night Engagement of Karṇa and Ghaṭotkaca
तीर्णप्रतिज्ञं बीभत्सुं परिष्वज्यैनमब्रवीत् । राजन! तत्पश्चात् भगवान् श्रीकृष्णने प्रतिज्ञासे पार होकर युद्धके मुहानेपर खड़े हुए अर्जुनको हृदयसे लगाकर इस प्रकार कहा--
tīrṇa-pratijñaṃ bībhatsuṃ pariṣvajyainam abravīt | rājan! tat-paścāt bhagavān śrīkṛṣṇaḥ pratijñā-se pāraṃ gatvā yuddha-mukhāne sthitaṃ arjunaṃ hṛdayena lagitvā itthaṃ uvāca ||
قال سانجيا: وبعد أن عانق أرجونا—بيبهاتسو—وقد أوفى بنذره، خاطبه الربّ المبارك شري كريشنا. أيها الملك، ثم إن أرجونا لما وقف في مقدّمة القتال، على عتبة المعركة، بعد أن تجاوز محنة عهده، ضمّه كريشنا إلى صدره وقال بهذه الكلمات—
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical gravity of a pratijñā (vow) and the ideal of steadfastness: a warrior must not treat promises lightly, yet must also be guided by compassion and right counsel. Kṛṣṇa’s embrace signifies supportive leadership—strengthening Arjuna’s resolve while keeping his action anchored in dharma rather than mere rage or pride.
Sañjaya narrates to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna has successfully carried out his pledged task. At the battle’s forefront, Kṛṣṇa embraces Arjuna warmly and then begins to speak—setting up the next lines of counsel or response after the vow’s fulfillment.