Shloka 31
Droṇasya raudra-prayogaḥ
Droṇa’s intensified assault and the Pāṇḍava response
परेषामग्रतस्तस्थौ कालचक्रमिवोद्यतम् | एवं तौ सुमहात्मानौ बलसेनाग्रगावुभौ,शत घोड़ोंसे सुशोभित वह रथ इन चार तेजोंको धारण करता हुआ शत्रुओंके सामने उठे हुए कालचक्रके समान खड़ा हुआ। इस प्रकार वे दोनों महात्मा श्रीकृष्ण और अर्जुन अपनी सेनाके अग्रभागमें सुशोभित हो रहे थे
pareṣām agratas tasthau kālacakram ivodyatam | evaṃ tau sumahātmānau balasenāgragāv ubhau ||
Sañjaya said: In the very forefront of the enemy host, that chariot stood poised like the upraised Wheel of Time (Death) itself. Thus those two great-souled heroes—Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna—shone at the head of their army, embodying resolve and righteous purpose amid the onrush of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of leadership in dharmic conflict: the foremost warriors do not hide behind others but stand at the front, while the image of the kālacakra reminds that time and death are inevitable—so one must act with resolve and righteousness rather than fear.
Sañjaya describes Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna positioned at the head of their forces; their chariot stands before the enemy like a raised, unstoppable wheel of Time, signaling imminent, decisive engagement in the battle.