Shloka 39
वासवी-शक्तेः प्रयोगः, घटोत्कच-वधोत्तर-शोकः, व्यासोपदेशश्च
The Vāsavī Spear’s Use, Post-Ghaṭotkaca Grief, and Vyāsa’s Counsel
काल्यमान तु तत् सैन्यं दृष्टवा द्रोणेन फाल्गुन: । किंचिदागतसंरम्भो गुरु पार्थो3 भ्ययाद् द्रुतम्
kālyamānaṃ tu tat sainyaṃ dṛṣṭvā droṇena phālgunaḥ | kiñcid āgata-saṃrambho guru-pārtho 'bhyayād drutam ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing that army being hard-pressed by Droṇa, Phālguna (Arjuna)—his ardor newly stirred—swiftly advanced against his revered teacher, Droṇa. The verse highlights the moral strain of war: duty to protect one’s side compels Arjuna to confront even the guru he honors.
सयजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even profound reverence for a teacher does not erase one’s immediate dharma in a crisis. The verse frames Arjuna’s advance as a painful but necessary act of protection and responsibility in war, showing how ethical duty can demand action against personally sacred bonds.
Droṇa is overpowering the opposing host. Seeing his side being crushed, Arjuna (Phālguna/Pārtha) becomes stirred with battle-ardor and quickly moves forward to engage Droṇa directly, despite Droṇa being his revered guru.