Shloka 71
Nakula–Śakuni Duel and the Night Battle; Śikhaṇḍin–Kṛpa Engagement (नकुल-शकुनियुद्धं तथा रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
इत्युक्त्वा वचन कुर्वन् वासुदेवस्य पाण्डव: । ततः क्षुरप्रं निशितं गाण्डीवे समयोजयत्,ऐसा कहकर भगवान् श्रीकृष्णकी आज्ञाका पालन करते हुए पाण्डुनन्दन अर्जुनने गाण्डीव धनुषपर एक तीखा क्षुरप्र रखा
ity uktvā vacanaṁ kurvan vāsudevasya pāṇḍavaḥ | tataḥ kṣurapraṁ niśitaṁ gāṇḍīve samayojayat ||
Having spoken thus, the Pāṇḍava (Arjuna), carrying out the command of Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa), then fitted a keen, razor-edged arrow onto the Gāṇḍīva bow—signaling resolute obedience and readiness to act within the grim demands of righteous war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined action: Arjuna subordinates personal impulse to rightful guidance, executing Kṛṣṇa’s instruction with steadiness. Ethically, it underscores that in crisis one should act decisively under dharmic counsel rather than wavering.
Sañjaya reports that after speaking, Arjuna follows Kṛṣṇa’s directive and prepares to shoot by fitting a sharp, razor-edged arrow onto his bow, Gāṇḍīva—an immediate preparation for the next martial act.