Shloka 46
Babhruvāhana’s Lament and Appeal for Expiation (प्रायश्चित्त-याचना)
जिज्ञासुह्दोष पुत्रस्य बलस्य तव कौरव: । संग्रामे युद्धातो राजन्नागत: परवीरहा
jijñāsuḥ doṣa-putrasya balasya tava kauravaḥ | saṅgrāme yuddhato rājann āgataḥ paravīrahā ||
Waiśaṃpāyana berkata: “Wahai Raja, Arjuna dari wangsa Kuru—pembunuh para pahlawan musuh—telah kembali dari pertempuran setelah bertarung, karena ingin mengetahui kekuatan dan kegagahanmu, wahai putra Doṣa.”
वैशमग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames battle, when undertaken in the proper role and purpose, as compatible with dharma: the addressee is urged to act without moral paralysis, being told not to fear even a trace of sin when fulfilling the duty expected of a capable son and warrior.
Vaiśaṃpāyana reports that Arjuna has returned from fighting and is eager to assess the addressee’s strength (as Doṣa’s son). Because of this desire to test/know the son’s prowess, the speaker explains why the youth was encouraged to enter combat.