Shloka 14
Abhimanyunidhana-prakāśaḥ — Vasudeva–Kṛṣṇa–Subhadrā–Kuntī śoka-saṃvāda
Disclosure and Consolation
अक्षौहिणीभ्रि: शिष्टाभिननवभिरद्द्धिजसत्तम: । संवृत: समरश्लाघी गुप्त: कृपवृषादिभि:
akṣauhiṇībhiḥ śiṣṭābhir navabhir ṛddhijasattamaḥ | saṃvṛtaḥ samarāślāghī guptaḥ kṛpavṛṣādibhiḥ ||
Dijo Vāsudeva: «Aquel, el más favorecido por la fortuna, estaba cercado por todos lados por las nueve akṣauhiṇīs que aún quedaban. Aunque él mismo ansiaba la batalla y se gloriaba en el combate, era protegido sin cesar por Kṛpa y por Vṛṣa (Karna) y por otros».
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the epic tension between personal valor and the practical need for protection and support: even a battle-proud hero depends on allies and guardians. It implicitly critiques mere martial pride (āślāgha) by showing that strength in war is collective and contingent.
Vāsudeva describes a warrior of great fortune being surrounded by the nine remaining military divisions. Although the warrior is eager for combat, he is kept safe by seasoned protectors—Kṛpācārya and Karṇa (called Vṛṣa) among others—indicating a guarded formation around him.