Shloka 296
अलंबलवधः (Alaṃbala-vadhaḥ) / The Slaying of Alaṃbala and the Advance toward Karṇa
प्रहसन् देवकीपुत्रमिदं वचनमब्रवीत् । राधापुत्रको अपने समीप आते देख महारथी कुन्तीकुमार अर्जुनने देवकीनन्दन श्रीकृष्णसे हँसते हुए कहा--
prahasan devakīputram idaṃ vacanam abravīt | rādhāputrako 'pane samīpa āte dekhā mahārathī kuntīkumāra arjunane devakīnandana śrīkṛṣṇase haṃsate hue kahā—
Smiling, Arjuna—the great chariot-warrior, son of Kuntī—addressed Devakī’s son, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, with these words, as Rādhā’s son (Karna) was seen approaching nearby. The scene frames a tense moment in battle: Arjuna’s composed, even lightly smiling speech to Kṛṣṇa signals steadiness of mind and reliance on his charioteer-counsel amid the ethical strain of facing a formidable kinsman-enemy.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even at a moment of imminent danger, the warrior’s ethical strength is shown through steadiness and clear-minded reliance on wise counsel. Arjuna’s smile suggests inner control (self-mastery) and trust in Kṛṣṇa’s guidance while facing a powerful opponent.
Sañjaya narrates that Arjuna, seeing Karṇa approaching, turns to his charioteer Kṛṣṇa and begins to speak. The verse sets up the next speech: a tactical and moral exchange before a critical confrontation in the Drona Parva battle.