Shloka 6
Bhagadatta’s Astra and the Fall of the Prāgjyotiṣa King (भगदत्त-वधः / वैष्णवास्त्र-प्रसङ्गः)
एवमुक्तस्तु दाशार्ह: स्यन्दनं प्रत्यवर्तयत् । येन त्रिगर्ताधिपति: पाण्डवं समुपाह्दयत्,अर्जुनके ऐसा कहनेपर भगवान् श्रीकृष्णने अपने रथको उसी ओर लौटाया, जिस ओससे त्रिगर्तराज सुशर्मा उन पाण्डुकुमारको युद्धके लिये ललकार रहा था
evam uktas tu dāśārhaḥ syandanaṃ pratyavartayat | yena trigartādhipatiḥ pāṇḍavaṃ samupāhvayat ||
Sañjaya said: Thus addressed, Dāśārha (Śrī Kṛṣṇa) turned the chariot back toward the direction from which the lord of the Trigartas, Suśarmā, was challenging the Pāṇḍava to battle. The scene underscores the warrior’s obligation to meet a direct summons in war, while also showing Kṛṣṇa’s steady, disciplined response—guiding action without agitation.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in practice: a direct martial challenge is met without hesitation, yet with composure. Kṛṣṇa’s role models disciplined action—responding appropriately to duty and circumstance rather than acting from anger or pride.
After being spoken to, Kṛṣṇa (as Arjuna’s charioteer) turns the chariot back toward the side from which Suśarmā, king of the Trigartas, is calling out and challenging the Pāṇḍava (Arjuna) to fight.