Shloka 36
Aśvatthāman’s Admonition to Karṇa on Boasting, Varṇa-Duties, and the Threat of Arjuna
Virāṭa-parva, Adhyāya 45
युध्यमानस्य मे वीर गन्धर्व: सुमहाबलै: । सहायो घोषयात्रायां कस्तदा55सीत् सखा मम,यह सुनकर अर्जुन खिलखिलाकर हँस पड़े और बोले--“वीर! डरो मत! कौरवोंकी घोषयात्राके समय जब मैंने महाबली गन्धर्वोंके साथ युद्ध किया था, उस समय मेरा सखा या सहायक कौन था? जब देवताओं और दानवोंसे भरे हुए उस अत्यन्त भयंकर खाण्डववनमें मैं युद्ध कर रहा था, उस समय मेरा साथी कौन था?
yudhyamānasya me vīra gandharvaḥ sumahābalaiḥ | sahāyo ghoṣayātrāyāṃ kas tadāsīt sakhā mama ||
“O hero, when I was fighting the exceedingly mighty Gandharvas during the Kauravas’ Ghoṣayātrā (cattle-raid expedition), who then was my companion and helper? Who stood by me as my friend?”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how claims of valor are tested by circumstances: true strength is shown through steadfastness and reliable companionship in danger, while pride and self-assurance can be exposed when one must actually face battle.
Uttara speaks, recalling (or invoking) the famed episode of the Kauravas’ Ghoṣayātrā where Gandharvas fought them, and asks who was his helper and friend then—setting up a contrast between perceived heroism and the reality of who truly provides protection and support.