Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
युधिषछ्िर उवाच जयमाशास्व मे ब्रह्मन् मन्त्रयस्व च मद्धितम् । युद्धयस्व कौरवस्यार्थे वर एब वृतो मया
Yudhiṣṭhira uvāca: jayam āśāsva me brahman, mantrayasva ca mad-hitām | yudhyasva Kauravasyārthe, vara eva vṛto mayā ||
Yudhiṣṭhira sprach: „O Brahmane, wünsche mir den Sieg und berate mich weiterhin zu meinem Wohl. Doch kämpfe auf der Seite der Kauravas—dies allein ist die Gabe, die ich von dir erwählt habe.“
युधिषछ्िर उवाच
The verse highlights a dharmic tension: Yudhiṣṭhira seeks moral guidance and goodwill (victory-blessing and beneficial counsel) while simultaneously honoring the other party’s chosen allegiance in war. It frames victory not merely as force, but as something sought alongside ethical counsel and restraint.
Yudhiṣṭhira addresses a Brahmin figure from whom he can request a boon. He asks for blessings for his victory and continued advice for his welfare, but stipulates that the Brahmin should fight on the Kauravas’ behalf—presenting this as the single boon he has chosen.