Shloka 15
द्रोणेन सात्यकिपीडनम् — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Charge to Sātyaki amid Droṇa’s Onslaught
न हि तत् कुरुते संख्ये रथी रिपुवधोद्यत: । यथा वै कुरुते कृष्ण सारथिर्यत्नमास्थित:,'श्रीकृष्ण! संग्राममें शत्रुवधके लिये उद्यत हुआ रथी भी वैसा कार्य नहीं कर पाता, जैसा कि प्रयत्नशील सारथि कर दिखाता है
na hi tat kurute saṅkhye rathī ripu-vadhodyataḥ | yathā vai kurute kṛṣṇaḥ sārathir yatnam āsthitaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “In the press of battle, even a chariot-warrior intent on slaying the foe cannot accomplish what Kṛṣṇa, the charioteer, achieves when he applies himself with vigilant effort.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that outcomes in righteous conflict depend not only on the warrior’s aggression or prowess but also on wise, steady guidance and skillful support. Kṛṣṇa’s disciplined effort as charioteer exemplifies strategic intelligence and selfless service that can surpass mere martial intent.
Sañjaya is describing the battlefield dynamics to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, highlighting how Kṛṣṇa, acting as a charioteer, performs decisive, effortful actions—maneuvering, protecting, and enabling success—such that even a warrior eager to kill enemies cannot match what Kṛṣṇa accomplishes through his role.