Shloka 60
कर्णार्जुनसमागमः — The Karṇa–Arjuna Confrontation
Cosmic Spectatorship and Vows
अथाब्रवीद् वासुदेवं कुन्तीपुत्रो धनंजय: । भार्गवास्त्रं महाघोरं दृष्टवा तत्र समीरितम्
athābravīd vāsudevaṁ kuntīputro dhanañjayaḥ | bhārgavāstraṁ mahāghoraṁ dṛṣṭvā tatra samīritam ||
Sañjaya said: Then Kuntī’s son Dhanañjaya (Arjuna), seeing the exceedingly dreadful Bhārgava weapon being set in motion there, spoke to Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa). The moment marks Arjuna’s alert recognition of a catastrophic escalation in warfare, prompting counsel with his charioteer-guide to meet force with discernment rather than panic.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
When destructive power is unleashed, the righteous response is not impulsive retaliation but clear recognition, restraint, and seeking wise guidance. Arjuna’s turning to Kṛṣṇa underscores that ethical warfare requires discernment and alignment with dharma even amid crisis.
On the battlefield, a fearsome Bhārgava weapon is launched. Arjuna notices it and immediately addresses Kṛṣṇa (Vāsudeva), signaling urgency and the need for counsel on how to counter or respond to this grave threat.