Shloka 44
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 29 — Arjuna’s defeat of Vṛṣaka–Acalā and the neutralization of Śakuni’s māyā
ततो गाण्डीवधन्वानमभ्यभाषत केशव: । अयं महत्तर: पार्थ पलितेन समावृतः,तदनन्तर भगवान् श्रीकृष्णने गाण्डीवधारी अर्जुनसे कहा--“कुन्तीनन्दन! यह भगदत्त बहुत बड़ी अवस्थाका है। इसके सारे बाल पक गये हैं और ललाट आदि अंगोंमें झुर्रियाँ पड़ जानेके कारण पलकें झपी रहनेसे इसके नेत्र प्राय: बंद-से रहते हैं। यह शूरवीर तथा अत्यन्त दुर्जय है। इस राजाने अपने दोनों नेत्रोंको खुले रखनेके लिये पलकोंको कपड़ेकी पट्टीसे ललाटमें बाँध रखा है”
tato gāṇḍīvadhanvānam abhyabhāṣata keśavaḥ | ayaṃ mahattaraḥ pārtha palitena samāvṛtaḥ |
Sañjaya said: Then Keśava addressed Arjuna, the wielder of the Gāṇḍīva: “O Pārtha, this warrior is of very advanced age, his body covered with grey hair.” In the ethical frame of the battle, Kṛṣṇa’s words function as clear-eyed counsel: Arjuna must recognize the opponent’s condition without letting age or appearance cloud discernment about the real danger and the demands of duty in war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Kṛṣṇa’s counsel highlights disciplined discernment in dharma-yuddha: do not underestimate an adversary due to age or outward appearance; assess capability and danger clearly, and act according to duty rather than sentiment or superficial impressions.
Sañjaya reports that Kṛṣṇa (Keśava) speaks to Arjuna (the Gāṇḍīva-bearer), pointing out that the opponent before them is very aged and grey-haired—setting Arjuna’s attention on the nature of the foe and preparing him for the tactical and moral seriousness of the encounter.