Shloka 413
अजिशीर्षे प्रातःसंध्यायां संग्रामवर्णनम् / Dawn-Transition Battle at Ajiśīrṣa
Chapter 161
अश्वत्थामानमासाद्य वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह । उस समय राजा दुर्योधनने कर्णका पराक्रम देख अश्वत्थामाके पास पहुँचकर यह बात कही--
aśvatthāmānam āsādya vākyam etad uvāca ha |
Sañjaya said: Having approached Aśvatthāmā, he spoke these words. In the midst of the battle, Duryodhana—observing Karṇa’s prowess—went to Aśvatthāmā and addressed him, seeking to shape the course of action through counsel and command.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a wartime ethical dynamic: leaders respond to perceived valor by seeking alliances and issuing counsel, showing how strategy and authority operate amid dharma-bound conflict.
Sañjaya narrates that Duryodhana, impressed by Karṇa’s performance, goes to Aśvatthāmā and begins to speak—introducing the next instruction or request in the unfolding battle episode.