Shloka 18
Aśvatthāman’s Admonition to Karṇa on Boasting, Varṇa-Duties, and the Threat of Arjuna
Virāṭa-parva, Adhyāya 45
अहं ते संग्रहीष्यामि हयान् शत्रुरथारुजान् | शिक्षितो हास्मि सारथ्ये तीर्थत: पुरुषर्षभ,अब तो मुझे आपकी सहायता मिल गयी है; अतः युद्धभूमिमें देवताओंका भी सामना कर सकता हूँ। मेरा सारा भय नष्ट हो गया। बताइये, अब मैं क्या करूँ? पुरुषप्रवर! मैंने गुरुसे सारथ्यकर्मकी शिक्षा प्राप्त की है; इसलिये आपके घोड़ोंको, जो शत्रुके रथका नाश करनेवाले हैं, मैं काबूमें रखूँगा
aham te saṅgrahīṣyāmi hayān śatrurathārujān | śikṣito hāsmi sārathye tīrthataḥ puruṣarṣabha ||
Uttara said: “I will take charge of your horses—those that can shatter the enemy’s chariots. I have been trained in the duties of a charioteer by my teacher, O bull among men. Now that I have gained your support, my fear is gone; tell me what I should do next, for I feel able to face even the gods on the battlefield.”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Confidence in battle should be grounded in proper training and right guidance. Uttara’s claim—fear removed by support and instruction—highlights that courage becomes effective when joined to disciplined skill (sārathya) and wise counsel, rather than mere bravado.
On the eve of confronting the Kaurava forces, Prince Uttara addresses his companion (Arjuna in disguise). He declares that he can control the horses and serve as charioteer because he has learned the craft from his teacher, and he asks what action to take next now that his fear has subsided.