Shloka 27
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
ततः संग्राम भूमिं च वर्तमाने जनक्षये । अवेक्षमाणो गोविन्द: सव्यसाचिनमतब्रवीत्,जब इस प्रकार जनसंहार होने लगा, उस समय रणभूमिकी ओर देखते हुए भगवान् श्रीकृष्ण अर्जुनसे इस प्रकार बोले--
tataḥ saṅgrāmabhūmiṃ ca vartamāne janakṣaye | avekṣamāṇo govindaḥ savyasācinam athābravīt ||
Sañjaya said: Then, as the slaughter of men was unfolding, Govinda—gazing over the battlefield—addressed Arjuna, the ambidextrous archer, and spoke to him.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical turning point: amid escalating human destruction, Kṛṣṇa deliberately surveys the battlefield and prepares to counsel Arjuna. The emphasis is on mindful leadership and guidance in crisis—speech and decision must arise from clear seeing of consequences, not from blind momentum.
Sañjaya reports that as casualties mount on the battlefield, Kṛṣṇa (Govinda) looks over the scene and then speaks to Arjuna (Savyasācin). This verse functions as a narrative bridge introducing Kṛṣṇa’s forthcoming instruction or strategic/ethical directive.