Shloka 40
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
तद् गोकुलमिवोदशभ्रान्तमुद्भ्रान्तरथयूथपम्,उवाच पार्थ बीभत्सुं निगृहा रथमुत्तमम् उस समय पाण्डुनन्दन युधिष्ठिरकी वह सेना व्याकुल होकर भटकती हुई गौओंके समूहकी भाँति आर्तस्वरसे हाहाकार करती हुई देखी गयी। कितने ही रथयूथपति भी किंकर्तव्यविमूढ़ होकर घूम रहे थे। अपनी सेनामें इस प्रकार भगदड़ मची हुई देख यदुकुलनन्दन भगवान् श्रीकृष्णने अपने उत्तम रथको खड़ा करके कुन्तीपुत्र अर्जुनसे कहा --
tad gokulam ivodaśa-bhrāntam ud-bhrānta-ratha-yūthapam | uvāca pārtha bībhatsuṁ nigṛhya ratham uttamam ||
Sañjaya said: That army of the son of Pāṇḍu was seen in turmoil, wandering about like a herd of cattle, crying out in distress. Many leaders of chariot-squadrons too were roaming about, bewildered as to what should be done. Seeing such a rout within their own ranks, Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the delight of the Yadu line, reined in and halted his excellent chariot and spoke to Arjuna, son of Kuntī—Bībhatsu, the dauntless one.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a battlefield crisis, dharma is sustained through steadiness and right counsel: when collective fear and confusion spread, a competent guide restrains impulsive motion, restores clarity, and directs action according to duty rather than panic.
Sañjaya reports that Yudhiṣṭhira’s forces are in disarray—scattering like frightened cattle, with even chariot-commanders confused. Seeing the rout, Kṛṣṇa halts the chariot and addresses Arjuna, preparing to give immediate guidance for the next course of action.