Shloka 21
Chapter 6: Dāruka’s Report; Arjuna Witnesses Dvārakā’s Desolation (दारुकवृत्तान्तः—अर्जुनस्य द्वारकादर्शनम्)
योऊहं तमर्जुनं विद्धि योडर्जुन: सो5हमेव तु
yo 'haṃ tam arjunaṃ viddhi yo 'rjunaḥ so 'ham eva tu
قال فاسوديفا: «اعلم أني أنا ذلك أرجونا؛ وأن من يُدعى أرجونا ليس في الحقيقة غيري.»
वसुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches a radical vision of unity: Vasudeva declares identity with Arjuna, implying that the deepest truth of persons is not separateness but shared essence. Ethically, it undercuts ego-based conflict and encourages seeing oneself in others, which supports compassion, restraint, and reconciliation.
In the Mausala Parva’s aftermath of catastrophic destruction, Vasudeva speaks in a reflective, consolatory register. By identifying himself with Arjuna, he frames relationships and events through a lens of inner unity, offering a spiritual interpretation meant to steady the mind amid grief and moral disorientation.