Shloka 18
अर्जुनकर्णयोर्युद्धवर्णनम्
Description of the Arjuna–Karṇa Engagement and Counsel to Duryodhana
त॑ दृष्टवा पुरुषव्याप्रं क्षेमिणं पुरुषर्षभम् मुदाभ्युपगतौ कृष्णावश्चिनाविव वासवम्,पुरुषसिंह पुरुषप्रवर श्रीकृष्ण एवं अर्जुनको सकुशल देखकर तथा दोनों कृष्णोंको इन्द्रके पास गये हुए अश्विनीकुमारोंके समान प्रसन्नतापूर्वक अपने समीप आया जान राजा युधिष्ठिरने उनका उसी तरह अभिनन्दन किया, जैसे सूर्य दोनों अश्विनीकुमारोंका स्वागत करते हैं। अथवा जैसे महान् असुर जम्भके मारे जानेपर बृहस्पतिने इन्द्र और विष्णुका अभिनन्दन किया था
taṁ dṛṣṭvā puruṣavyāghraṁ kṣemiṇaṁ puruṣarṣabham | mudābhyupagatau kṛṣṇāv aśvināv iva vāsavam ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna—those foremost among men—returned safe and well, Yudhiṣṭhira, filled with joy, came forward to greet them. He welcomed the two Kṛṣṇas with the same gladness as Indra welcomes the Aśvin twins when they approach him—an image that underscores relief and gratitude amid the calamity of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the harsh setting of war, dharma expresses itself through gratitude, respectful welcome, and honoring those who safeguard the community. Yudhiṣṭhira’s joyful reception models the ethical duty of acknowledging protection and well-being rather than taking it for granted.
Sañjaya narrates that Yudhiṣṭhira sees Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna returned safely, and he comes forward with delight to greet them. The verse heightens the moment through a divine comparison: as Indra gladly receives the Aśvin twins, so Yudhiṣṭhira welcomes the two heroes.