Shloka 38
Kṛṣṇa at Duryodhana’s House: Refusal of Hospitality and Departure to Vidura (कृष्णस्य धार्तराष्ट्रनिवेशनगमनम्)
ज्येष्ठोपचायिनं वीरं सहदेवं युधां पतिम् | शुश्रूषुं मम वार्ष्णेय माद्रीपुत्र प्रचक्ष्य मे
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
jyeṣṭhopacāyinaṃ vīraṃ sahadevaṃ yudhāṃ patim |
śuśrūṣuṃ mama vārṣṇeya mādrīputraṃ pracakṣya me ||
वैशम्पायन बोले— हे वार्ष्णेय! जो ज्येष्ठों का सत्कार करने वाला, युद्धों का स्वामी, वीर सहदेव—माद्रीपुत्र—और मेरी सेवा में तत्पर है, उसके विषय में मुझे बताइए।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharma expressed as humility and disciplined service: true martial excellence is paired with reverence for elders (jyeṣṭhopacāyin) and readiness to serve (śuśrūṣu), presenting Sahadeva as an ethical warrior whose strength is guided by conduct.
In Vaiśampāyana’s narration, Kṛṣṇa is asked to report about Sahadeva. The speaker highlights Sahadeva’s defining qualities—respect for seniors, leadership in battle, and devoted service—framing him as a valued and dutiful member of the Pāṇḍava side.