Shloka 6
Uddhava’s Counsel: The Jarāsandha Resolution and Kṛṣṇa’s Arrival at Indraprastha
द्वैरथे स तु जेतव्यो मा शताक्षौहिणीयुत: । ब्राह्मण्योऽभ्यर्थितो विप्रैर्न प्रत्याख्याति कर्हिचित् ॥ ६ ॥
dvai-rathe sa tu jetavyo mā śatākṣauhiṇī-yutaḥ brāhmaṇyo ’bhyarthito viprair na pratyākhyāti karhicit
He should be defeated in a single-chariot duel, not when he is backed by his hundred military divisions. Moreover, Jarāsandha is devoted to brahminical dharma and never refuses a request from brāhmaṇas.
It might be argued that since only Bhīma could equal Jarāsandha in personal strength, Jarāsandha would be more powerful when supported by his huge army. Therefore, Uddhava here recommends single combat. But how could Jarāsandha be persuaded to give up the support of his powerful army? Here Uddhava gives the clue: Jarāsandha will never refuse a request from brāhmaṇas, since he is devoted to brahminical culture.
FAQs
This verse states that Jarāsandha should be overcome through single combat rather than by massive armies, and that his respect for brāhmaṇas can be used to gain access or secure his agreement.
Kṛṣṇa points out that Jarāsandha is best defeated by a duel (dvairatha), avoiding unnecessary slaughter, and because Jarāsandha’s nature and honor make him susceptible to this direct method.
Choose the most fitting, least harmful solution: address problems at their root with a targeted approach, and recognize that a person’s core values (like Jarāsandha’s respect for spiritual authority) can guide peaceful resolution.