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 dit : «Ô Jiṣṇu (Arjuna), maintenant que tu es monté sur ce char splendide, avec moi pour cocher, vers quelle division de l’armée veux-tu te diriger ? Dès que tu donneras l’ordre, j’irai avec toi.» Dans ce contexte, Uttara—voyant Arjuna de nouveau fermement résolu au combat—comprend son dessein et offre un service prompt et discipliné, soumettant sa propre volonté au juste dessein du guerrier.
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.