Shloka 11
Sātyaki’s Assurance and the Protection of Dharmarāja (सात्यकिवचनम्—धर्मराजरक्षणविचारः)
तत्र गत्वा हृषीकेश: कल्पयामास सूतवत् । रथं रथवरस्याजौ वानरर्षभलक्षणम्,वहाँ पहुँचकर भगवान् श्रीकृष्णने एक सारथिके समान रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ अर्जुनके वानरश्रेष्ठ हनुमानके चिह्नसे युक्त ध्वजावाले रथको युद्धके लिये सुसज्जित किया
tatra gatvā hṛṣīkeśaḥ kalpayāmāsa sūtavat | rathaṁ rathavarasyājau vānararṣabhalakṣaṇam ||
Sañjaya said: Having reached that place, Hṛṣīkeśa (Kṛṣṇa) arranged, like a skilled charioteer, the chariot of Arjuna—the best of chariot-warriors—for battle, bearing the emblem of the bull among monkeys, Hanumān. The scene underscores disciplined readiness in war: even the divinely guided side relies on careful preparation, service, and mastery of one’s role rather than mere pride or force.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Right action in war (and in life) requires disciplined preparation and humble performance of one’s duty. Kṛṣṇa, though divine, acts as a charioteer—modeling service, competence, and steadiness rather than relying on status.
Sañjaya reports that Kṛṣṇa arrives at the spot and readies Arjuna’s chariot for combat. The chariot bears the emblem of Hanumān on its banner, highlighting protection, courage, and the devotional lineage associated with that symbol.