Shloka 243
धृतराष्ट्र–संजय संवादः: कर्ण–घटोत्कचयोर्निशायुद्धवर्णनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya Dialogue: Description of the Night Engagement of Karṇa and Ghaṭotkaca
तीर्णप्रतिज्ञं बीभत्सुं परिष्वज्यैनमब्रवीत् । राजन! तत्पश्चात् भगवान् श्रीकृष्णने प्रतिज्ञासे पार होकर युद्धके मुहानेपर खड़े हुए अर्जुनको हृदयसे लगाकर इस प्रकार कहा--
tīrṇa-pratijñaṃ bībhatsuṃ pariṣvajyainam abravīt | rājan! tat-paścāt bhagavān śrīkṛṣṇaḥ pratijñā-se pāraṃ gatvā yuddha-mukhāne sthitaṃ arjunaṃ hṛdayena lagitvā itthaṃ uvāca ||
Sañjaya said: Having embraced Arjuna—Bībhatsu—who had fulfilled his vow, the Blessed Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa spoke to him. O King, thereafter, when Arjuna stood at the very forefront of battle, having crossed beyond the ordeal of his pledge, Kṛṣṇa drew him close to his heart and addressed him in these words—
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical gravity of a pratijñā (vow) and the ideal of steadfastness: a warrior must not treat promises lightly, yet must also be guided by compassion and right counsel. Kṛṣṇa’s embrace signifies supportive leadership—strengthening Arjuna’s resolve while keeping his action anchored in dharma rather than mere rage or pride.
Sañjaya narrates to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna has successfully carried out his pledged task. At the battle’s forefront, Kṛṣṇa embraces Arjuna warmly and then begins to speak—setting up the next lines of counsel or response after the vow’s fulfillment.