Shloka 15
समास्थाय मतिं वीरो बीभत्सु: शत्रुतापन: । कृपां चक्रे रथश्रेष्ठो भारद्वाजसुतं प्रति,शत्रुओंको संताप देनेवाले रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ वीर अर्जुनने यह सोचकर कि अअभश्व॒त्थामा मेरे आचार्यका पुत्र है, द्रोणका लाड़ला बेटा है तथा ब्राह्मण होनेके कारण भी विशेषरूपसे मेरे लिये माननीय है; आचार्यपुत्रपर कृपा की
samāsthāya matiṁ vīro bībhatsuḥ śatrutāpanaḥ | kṛpāṁ cakre rathaśreṣṭho bhāradvājasutaṁ prati ||
Sanjaya said: The heroic Bībhatsu (Arjuna), a scorcher of foes and foremost among chariot-warriors, having resolved in his mind, showed compassion toward the son of Bhāradvāja (Aśvatthāmā). In the midst of battle, Arjuna’s decision reflects an ethical restraint: even against an enemy, he recognizes the special claim of reverence due to one connected with his teacher and of brahminical status, and therefore tempers violence with mercy.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in righteous warfare, dharma includes restraint: Arjuna’s valor is balanced by compassion and reverence, especially toward one connected to his teacher and regarded as worthy of honor.
Sañjaya narrates that Arjuna, after forming a clear resolve, chooses to show mercy toward Aśvatthāmā (identified as Bhāradvāja’s son), indicating a deliberate ethical decision amid the violence of battle.