Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna Saṃvāda in Indraprastha: Consolation, Legitimation, and Leave for Dvārakā (आश्वमेधिकपर्व, अध्याय १५)
इतीदमुक्त: स तदा महात्मना जनार्दनेनामितविक्रमो<र्जुन: । तथेति दुःखादिव वाक्यमैरय- ज्जनार्दन॑ सम्प्रतिपूज्य पार्थिव
itīdam uktaḥ sa tadā mahātmanā janārdanenāmitavikramo 'rjunaḥ | tatheti duḥkhād iva vākyam airayaj janārdanaṃ sampratipūjya pārthivaḥ ||
Thus addressed at that time by the great-souled Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa), Arjuna of immeasurable prowess honored his words and, as though weighed down by sorrow, uttered, “So be it.” Then, having duly paid reverence to Janārdana, the royal son of Pṛthā accepted the proposal of his departure.
वायुदेव उवाच
Even when emotionally pained, one should uphold dharmic conduct—responding with restraint, consent, and reverence toward rightful guidance. Arjuna’s “tathā” shows disciplined acceptance, and his honoring of Janārdana models devotion expressed through proper action.
Kṛṣṇa (Janārdana) has spoken to Arjuna; Arjuna, though sorrowful, respectfully agrees—saying “tathā (so be it)”—and after paying due honor to Kṛṣṇa, accepts the proposal that Kṛṣṇa should depart.