Shloka 76
अजिशीर्षे प्रातःसंध्यायां संग्रामवर्णनम् / Dawn-Transition Battle at Ajiśīrṣa
Chapter 161
ऐसा कहकर दुर्धर्ष राजा दुर्योधनने क्रोधसे लाल आँखें करके विशाल सेनाके साथ अर्जुनपर आक्रमण किया ।। त॑ प्रयान्तं महाबाहुं दृष्टवा शारद्वतस्तदा । अश्वत्थामानमासाद्य वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह,महाबाहु दुर्योधनको अर्जुनके सामने जाते देख शरद्वानके पुत्र कृपाचार्यने उस समय अश्वत्थामाके पास जाकर यह बात कही--
tāṁ prayāntaṁ mahābāhuṁ dṛṣṭvā śāradvatastadā | aśvatthāmānam āsādya vākyam etad uvāca ha ||
Seeing the mighty-armed Duryodhana advancing at that moment, Śāradvata (Kṛpa) approached Aśvatthāmā and spoke these words.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahābhārata ethic: in war, raw anger and pride propel action, but wise elders attempt to intervene through counsel. It points to the tension between impulsive valor and prudent guidance, and how choices made in wrath can intensify destruction.
Duryodhana is seen advancing toward Arjuna. At that moment Kṛpa (Śāradvata) goes to Aśvatthāmā and begins to address him, setting up advice or strategic instruction in response to Duryodhana’s move.