Shloka 36
Book 10, Adhyāya 12: Aśvatthāmā’s Request for the Cakra and the Brahmaśiras Context
एवमुक्तो मया द्रौणिमामिदं प्रत्युवाच ह । प्रयुज्य भवते पूजां योत्स्ये कृष्ण त्ववा सह
evam ukto mayā drauṇimām idaṁ pratyuvāca ha | prayujya bhavate pūjāṁ yotsye kṛṣṇa tvayā saha
Thus addressed by me, Drauṇi replied: “Having duly offered you honor, O Kṛṣṇa, I will fight together with you.” The line conveys a warrior’s resolve framed by the etiquette of respect—acknowledging honor before entering a contest of arms.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in conflict, the Mahābhārata often frames action within codes of conduct: respect and proper address (pūjā, honorific speech) precede the assertion of martial intent, highlighting the tension between etiquette and violence.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that after being spoken to, Drauṇi (Aśvatthāman) responds to Kṛṣṇa, declaring that he will first render due honor and then engage in battle together with him.