Shloka 104
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
ततः प्रतिज्ञां समयं च तस्य जनार्दन: प्रीतमना निशम्य । स्थित: प्रिये कौरवसत्तमस्य रथं सचक्र: पुनरारुरोह,अर्जुनकी यह प्रतिज्ञा और कर्तव्य-पालनका यह निश्चय सुनकर भगवान् श्रीकृष्णका मन प्रसन्न हो गया। वे कुरुश्रेष्ठ अर्जुनका प्रिय करनेके लिये उद्यत हो पुनः चक्र लिये रथपर जा बैठे
tataḥ pratijñāṁ samayaṁ ca tasya janārdanaḥ prītamanā niśamya | sthitaḥ priye kauravasattamasya rathaṁ sacakraḥ punarāruroha ||
Then Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa), hearing Arjuna’s vow and his firm resolve to uphold his pledged duty, became glad at heart. Intent on doing what was dear to the best of the Kurus (Arjuna), he once again mounted the chariot, taking up the wheel—ready to act in support of righteousness and his devotee’s commitment.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
A righteous vow (pratijñā) and steadfast commitment to one’s duty (samaya) gladden the divine ally: when a person stands firm in dharma, supportive power gathers around them. The verse also highlights Kṛṣṇa’s readiness to act—even personally and urgently—to protect what is dear to the dharmic warrior.
Sañjaya narrates that Kṛṣṇa hears Arjuna’s pledge and determination, becomes pleased, and—wanting to fulfill what is dear to Arjuna—mounts the chariot again, holding a wheel (cakra), signaling immediate readiness to intervene in the battle situation.