Shloka 28
Kṛṣṇa at Duryodhana’s House: Refusal of Hospitality and Departure to Vidura (कृष्णस्य धार्तराष्ट्रनिवेशनगमनम्)
अर्जुनेनार्जुनो यः स कृष्ण बाहुसहस्रिणा । द्विबाहुः स्पर्धते नित्यमतीतेनापि केशव
arjunenārjuno yaḥ sa kṛṣṇa bāhusahasriṇā | dvibāhuḥ spardhate nityam atītenāpi keśava ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: “Wahai Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna itu—meski hanya berlengan dua—senantiasa menandingi dalam kemasyhuran dan kegagahan Arjuna kuno yang berlengan seribu (Kārtavīrya). Bagaimana keadaan Arjuna, saudaramu sekaligus sahabatmu, saat ini?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames true prowess as not merely physical advantage (many arms) but sustained excellence, discipline, and reputation earned through deeds; it also underscores loyalty—Arjuna is presented as the Pāṇḍavas’ chief support, making his condition ethically and politically crucial.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war setting, the speaker highlights Arjuna’s extraordinary stature by comparing him to the legendary Kārtavīrya Arjuna, then asks Kṛṣṇa about Arjuna’s present state—an inquiry that signals concern for the Pāṇḍavas’ readiness and morale.