Shloka 5
Aśvatthāman’s Admonition to Karṇa on Boasting, Varṇa-Duties, and the Threat of Arjuna
Virāṭa-parva, Adhyāya 45
वैशम्पायन उवाच अर्जुनस्य वच: श्रुत्वा त्वरावानुत्तरस्तदा । अर्जुनस्यायुधान् गृहा शीघ्रेणावातरत् तत:,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! अर्जुनका यह कथन सुनकर उत्तर उतावला हो अर्जुनके सब आयुधोंको लेकर शीघ्रतापूर्वक वृक्षसे उतर आया
vaiśampāyana uvāca arjunasya vacaḥ śrutvā tvarāvān uttarās tadā | arjunasya āyudhān gṛhā śīghreṇāvatārat tataḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Hearing Arjuna’s words, Uttara at once grew eager and, taking up all of Arjuna’s weapons, quickly climbed down from the tree.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prompt responsiveness to rightful guidance: when a competent protector (Arjuna) gives clear instruction, hesitation gives way to readiness, aligning action with duty (dharma) in a moment of need.
After hearing Arjuna’s instruction, Prince Uttara becomes eager and quickly climbs down from the tree while carrying Arjuna’s weapons, preparing for the impending confrontation.