Shloka 58
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
युधिषछ्िर उवाच जयमाशास्व मे ब्रह्मन् मन्त्रयस्व च मद्धितम् । युद्धयस्व कौरवस्यार्थे वर एब वृतो मया,युधिष्ठिर बोले--ब्रह्म! आप मेरी विजय चाहें और मेरे हितकी सलाह देते रहें; युद्ध दुर्योधनकी ओरसे ही करें। यही वर मैंने आपसे माँगा है
Yudhiṣṭhira uvāca: jayam āśāsva me brahman, mantrayasva ca mad-hitām | yudhyasva Kauravasyārthe, vara eva vṛto mayā ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “O Brahmin, wish me victory and continue to counsel what is for my welfare. Yet fight on the Kauravas’ side—this alone is the boon I have chosen from you.”
युधिषछ्िर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic tension: Yudhiṣṭhira seeks moral guidance and goodwill (victory-blessing and beneficial counsel) while simultaneously honoring the other party’s chosen allegiance in war. It frames victory not merely as force, but as something sought alongside ethical counsel and restraint.
Yudhiṣṭhira addresses a Brahmin figure from whom he can request a boon. He asks for blessings for his victory and continued advice for his welfare, but stipulates that the Brahmin should fight on the Kauravas’ behalf—presenting this as the single boon he has chosen.