Shloka 16
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
अर्जुन उवाच कि ते व्यवसितं राजन् यदस्मानपहाय वै | पद्धयामेव प्रयातो5सि प्राड्मुखो रिपुवाहिनीम्,अर्जुनने पूछा--राजन्! आपने क्या निश्चय किया है कि हमलोगोंको छोड़कर आप पूर्वाभिमुख हो पैदल ही शत्रुसेनाकी ओर चल दिये हैं?
arjuna uvāca: ki te vyavasitaṁ rājan yad asmān apahāya vai | paddhyām eva prayāto 'si prāṅmukho ripuvāhinīm ||
Arjuna said: “O King, what resolve have you formed, that—leaving us behind—you have set out on foot, facing east, toward the enemy host? What is your intention in advancing alone in this manner?”
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical concern within warfare: a warrior does not act impulsively or in isolation without clarity of purpose. Arjuna’s question presses for accountable leadership and a reasoned resolve (vyavasita), especially when one’s action affects companions and the larger dharmic order of the battle.
Arjuna addresses a king who has unexpectedly left the group and is walking on foot toward the enemy formation, facing east. Arjuna asks what decision or intention motivates this solitary advance, implying surprise and concern about the king’s sudden movement toward danger.