Shloka 39
Adhyāya 113: Karṇa–Bhīma Śaravarṣa and the Battlefield Aftermath (कर्णभीमशरवर्षः)
दृष्टवा श्रेय: परं बुद्धया ततो राजन् प्रशाधि माम्,“बुद्धिमानोंमें श्रेष्ठ महाराज! अपनी बुद्धिसे इस विषयमें बहुत सोच-विचार करके आपको जो परम मंगलकारक कृत्य जान पड़े, उसके लिये मुझे आज्ञा दें!
dṛṣṭvā śreyaḥ paraṃ buddhyā tato rājan praśādhi mām |
Sañjaya said: “Having discerned with your intellect what is supremely beneficial, then, O King, command me. After deep reflection, whatever course you judge to be the highest good—grant me your instruction for that.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds śreyas (true welfare) as the criterion for action and urges decision-making grounded in buddhi (discernment). It models ethical counsel: after careful reflection on what is truly beneficial, one should give clear direction and act accordingly.
Sañjaya addresses the king (Dhṛtarāṣṭra), urging him to deliberate on the most auspicious course and then issue instructions. The line frames Sañjaya as a messenger/adviser ready to carry out the king’s decision, emphasizing responsible command amid the pressures of the war narrative.