Shloka 4
द्रोणस्य सुपर्णव्यूहः — युधिष्ठिरप्रत्यव्यूहः
Droṇa’s Suparṇa Formation and Yudhiṣṭhira’s Counter-array
“आज आप मेरे अस्त्र, भुजाओं और धनुषका बल देखिये। क्रोधमें भरे हुए रुद्रदेव जैसे पशुओं (जगतके जीवों) का संहार करते हैं, उसी प्रकार मैं भी इन्हें मार गिराऊँगा' ।। ततः कृष्ण: स्मितं कृत्वा प्रतिनन्द्य शिवेन तम् । प्रावेशयत दुर्धर्षो यत्र यत्रैच्छदर्जुन:
tataḥ kṛṣṇaḥ smitaṃ kṛtvā pratinandya śivena tam | prāveśayat durdharṣo yatra yatraicchad arjunaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “Today behold the might of my weapons, my arms, and my bow. As Rudra, filled with wrath, destroys living beings, so shall I strike these men down.” Thereupon Kṛṣṇa, smiling, approved him with auspicious words; and the irresistible Lord guided Arjuna wherever Arjuna wished to go. The passage frames martial resolve as a fierce, Rudra-like energy, yet places it under Kṛṣṇa’s composed oversight—suggesting that even violent action in war is to be directed by discernment, purpose, and rightful leadership rather than mere rage.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Martial power and fierce resolve are acknowledged, but the narrative emphasizes that action—especially violent action—should be governed by auspicious counsel, composure, and right direction. Kṛṣṇa’s calm smile and guidance temper Rudra-like fury, implying that dharmic conduct in war requires control and purposeful leadership rather than uncontrolled rage.
Sañjaya reports a vow-like declaration of overwhelming force, likened to Rudra’s destructive wrath. Immediately after, Kṛṣṇa responds with a smile, approves with auspicious words, and maneuvers the chariot so that Arjuna can engage wherever he chooses—highlighting Kṛṣṇa’s role as strategic guide and stabilizing presence.