Shloka 56
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira: Pratismṛti-vidyā, Arjuna’s Aśtra-Quest, and the Move to Kāmyaka
एवमुक्त: प्रत्युवाच वृत्रहा पाण्डुनन्दनम् | सान्त्वयज्छलक्ष्णया वाचा सर्वलोकनमस्कृत:,अर्जुनके ऐसा कहनेपर विश्ववन्दित, वृत्र-विनाशक इन्द्रने मधुर वाणीमें अर्जुनको सान्त्वना देते हुए कहा--
evam uktaḥ pratyuvāca vṛtrahā pāṇḍunandanam | sāntvayan ślakṣṇayā vācā sarvalokanamaskṛtaḥ ||
Thus addressed, Vṛtrahā—Indra, revered by all the worlds—replied to Arjuna, the son of Pāṇḍu. With gentle, well-chosen words he sought to console him.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical power of measured, gentle speech: even in moments of strain, guidance should be offered with composure and kindness, strengthening resolve without inflaming distress.
After Arjuna speaks, Indra—celebrated as the slayer of Vṛtra—responds. The narrator (Vaiśampāyana) frames Indra’s reply as consolatory, delivered in refined words to steady Arjuna.