Shloka 4
Abhimanyu-śravaṇa-prastāva and Cakravyūha-vinyāsa
Prelude to Abhimanyu’s Account and the Wheel-Formation Deployment
श्लाघमानेषु भूतेषु फाल्गुनस्यामितान् गुणान् । केशवस्य च सौहार्दे कीर्त्यमाने<र्जुनं प्रति,समस्त प्राणी अर्जुनके असंख्य गुणोंकी प्रशंसा तथा उनके प्रति भगवान् श्रीकृष्णके सौहार्दका बखान कर रहे थे
ślāghamāneṣu bhūteṣu phālgunasya amitān guṇān | keśavasya ca sauhārde kīrtyamāne 'rjunaṃ prati ||
Sañjaya said: While the assembled beings were extolling the immeasurable virtues of Phālguna (Arjuna), and while they were also celebrating Keśava’s (Kṛṣṇa’s) warm friendship and loyal regard toward Arjuna, the scene was filled with admiration for excellence joined to steadfast companionship—an ethical ideal amid the harshness of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical ideal: true greatness is recognized in virtue (guṇa) and is strengthened by steadfast friendship (sauhārda). Even in a war setting, admiration is directed not merely to power but to character and loyal companionship.
Sañjaya reports that those present were praising Arjuna’s countless excellences and also speaking of Kṛṣṇa’s cordial friendship and supportive regard toward Arjuna, setting the tone of reverence for their alliance.