Shloka 26
Bhṛgu Tests the Trimūrti; Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna Visit Mahā-Viṣṇu and Recover the Brāhmaṇa’s Sons
तामर्जुन उपश्रुत्य कर्हिचित् केशवान्तिके । परेते नवमे बाले ब्राह्मणं समभाषत ॥ २६ ॥ किंस्विद् ब्रह्मंस्त्वन्निवासे इह नास्ति धनुर्धर: । राजन्यबन्धुरेते वै ब्राह्मणा: सत्रमासते ॥ २७ ॥
tām arjuna upaśrutya karhicit keśavāntike parete navame bāle brāhmaṇaṁ samabhāṣata
When the ninth child also died, Arjuna, who was near Lord Keśava, happened to overhear the brāhmaṇa’s lament. Arjuna then addressed him: “What is the matter, venerable brāhmaṇa? Is there not even a bowman here who can at least stand before your house with a bow in hand? These kṣatriyas act as though they were brāhmaṇas, idly seated at fire sacrifices.”
FAQs
This verse introduces the moment when Arjuna, after hearing that the brāhmaṇa’s ninth child also died, comes before Kṛṣṇa and prepares to address the brāhmaṇa—setting up the divine narrative behind the mysterious deaths.
Because Kṛṣṇa is the supreme guide and protector, Arjuna comes to Him first; then, with Kṛṣṇa present, Arjuna speaks to the grieving brāhmaṇa to respond to the crisis.
Before acting, one should take shelter of the Lord (or divine guidance) and then respond with responsibility and compassion—like Arjuna approaching Kṛṣṇa before addressing the suffering family.