Shloka 3
युधिष्ठिरस्य कृष्णार्जुनादि-समाश्वासनम्
Yudhiṣṭhira’s reassurance and praise of Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna, Bhīma, and Sātyaki
राजपुत्रो भवानत्र राजभ्राता महारथ: । किमर्थ द्रवते युद्धे यौवराज्यमवाप्य हि,“तुम तो राजाके बेटे, राजाके भाई और महारथी वीर हो। युवराजका पद प्राप्त करके तुम इस युद्धस्थलमें किसलिये भागे फिरते हो?
rājaputro bhavān atra rājabhrātā mahārathaḥ | kimarthaṃ dravate yuddhe yauvarājyam avāpya hi ||
Sañjaya dit : «Te voilà, prince — fils du roi, frère du roi, et grand guerrier de char. Ayant obtenu le rang d’héritier, pourquoi cours-tu ainsi au milieu du combat ?»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Rank and privilege (being a prince and heir-apparent) intensify one’s obligation to uphold kṣatriya-dharma—steadfastness, responsibility, and courage in crisis. The verse frames apparent retreat or restless movement in battle as ethically incongruent with royal duty and martial honor.
Sañjaya reports a pointed address to a high-born, high-ranking warrior—identified by his royal relations and status as crown prince—questioning why he is running about in the battlefield. The line functions as a rebuke meant to recall him to his role and to the expectations of leadership during the war.