Shloka 29
एवमुक्तो महाराज पार्थ: कृष्णमथाब्रवीत् । भीत: कुन्तीसुतो राजा राधेयस्याद्य विक्रमात्,महाराज! युधिष्ठिरके ऐसा कहनेपर अर्जुन भगवान् श्रीकृष्णसे बोले--'प्रभो! आज कुन्तीनन्दन राजा युधिष्ठिर राधापुत्र कर्णके पराक्रमसे भयभीत हो गये हैं
evam ukto mahārāja pārthaḥ kṛṣṇam athābravīt | bhītaḥ kuntīsuto rājā rādheyasyādya vikramāt ||
Sañjaya said: “Thus addressed, O great king, Pārtha (Arjuna) then spoke to Kṛṣṇa: ‘Today King Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī, has become fearful because of the prowess displayed by Rādheya (Karna).’” The verse highlights how even a righteous ruler may be shaken amid war when confronted with overwhelming martial power, and how counsel is sought from a trusted guide at such moments.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that fear can arise even in the most dharmic leaders when faced with formidable force, and that seeking wise guidance (here, turning to Kṛṣṇa) is an ethical response—transforming anxiety into informed action rather than rashness.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that after being spoken to, Arjuna addresses Kṛṣṇa, noting that Yudhiṣṭhira has become fearful due to Karna’s prowess on the battlefield, setting up a moment where counsel and strategy will be sought.