Shloka 40
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
आस्थाय रुचिरं जिष्णो रथं सारथिना मया । कतमं यास्यसे5नीकमुक्तो यास्याम्यहं त्वया
āsthāya ruciraṃ jiṣṇo rathaṃ sārathinā mayā | katamaṃ yāsyase 'nīkam ukto yāsyāmy ahaṃ tvayā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O Jiṣṇu (Arjuna), having mounted this splendid chariot with me as your charioteer, toward which division of the army do you wish to proceed? Once you command, I shall go with you.” In context, Uttara—seeing Arjuna again firmly resolved for battle—understands his intent and offers ready, disciplined service, placing his own will under the warrior’s righteous purpose.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined service aligned with righteous purpose: the subordinate (Uttara) offers prompt cooperation and readiness to follow the warrior’s command, reflecting the ethic of duty and coordinated action in a just battle.
After recognizing Arjuna’s renewed resolve to fight, Uttara—now acting as charioteer—asks which Kaurava troop-division Arjuna wishes to approach, assuring him that he will drive wherever Arjuna orders.