Shloka 15
Dhanañjaya-viraha-śoka and the Resolve to Enter Gandhamādana (धनंजय-विरह-शोकः गन्धमादन-प्रवेश-संकल्पश्च)
शत्रोरपि प्रपन्नस्य सोडनृशंस: प्रतापवान् । दाताभयस्य बीभत्सुरमितात्मा महाबल:,यदि शत्रु भी शरणमें आ जाय तो वह प्रतापी वीर उसके प्रति दयालु हो जाता और उसे निर्भय कर देता है। वह महाबली महामना अर्जुन ही हमलोगोंका सहारा है। वही समरांगणमें हमारे शत्रुओंको रौंद डालनेकी शक्ति रखता है। उसीने हमारे लिये सब प्रकारके रत्न लाकर सुलभ किये थे और वही हम सबको सदा सुख पहुँचानेवाला है
śatror api prapannasya so 'nṛśaṁsaḥ pratāpavān | dātābhayasya bībhatsur amitātmā mahābalaḥ ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Even when an enemy comes seeking refuge, that mighty and radiant hero becomes compassionate and grants him fearlessness. That great-armed Arjuna—of immeasurable self-mastery—is our support. He alone has the power to crush our foes on the battlefield; he it was who procured for us every kind of precious treasure with ease, and he is ever the source of our welfare.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
A central kṣatriya-ethical ideal is affirmed: even an enemy who seeks refuge should be treated without cruelty and granted protection (abhaya). True valor is shown not only in battle but also in restraint and compassion toward the surrendered.
Yudhiṣṭhira praises Arjuna as the Pandavas’ chief support—mighty in war, yet compassionate to a surrendered foe—and recalls Arjuna’s past services in securing wealth and ensuring the brothers’ welfare.