Shloka 356
क्षत्रधर्ममवेक्षस्व श्लाघ्यस्तव वधो जयात् । “अपनी उस प्रतिज्ञाको पूर्ण करो। उन सबके साथ सत्यवादी बनो। ये तुम्हारे शत्रु पाण्डुपुत्र अर्जुन निर्भय होकर सामने खड़े हैं। क्षत्रियरर्मकी ओर दृष्टिपात करो। युद्धमें विजयकी अपेक्षा अर्जुनके हाथसे तुम्हारा वध भी हो जाय तो वह तुम्हारे लिये प्रशंसाकी बात होगी
kṣatradharmam avekṣasva ślāghyas tava vadho jayāt |
Sañjaya said: “Look to the dharma of a kṣatriya. Even if, instead of victory in battle, you should meet your death at the hands of your opponent, that death would be worthy of praise.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse elevates kṣatriya-dharma: a warrior should prioritize righteous duty and honor over mere success. If one falls while upholding the warrior code, that death can be more commendable than victory gained otherwise.
Sañjaya reports counsel given in the war context, urging a combatant to keep the warrior’s duty in view and to accept even death in battle as honorable when it follows kṣatriya-dharma.