Shloka 5
Book 10, Adhyāya 12: Aśvatthāmā’s Request for the Cakra and the Brahmaśiras Context
तन्महात्मा महा भाग: केतु: सर्वधनुष्मताम् । प्रत्यपादयदाचार्य: प्रीयमाणो धनंजयम्,“सम्पूर्ण धनुर्धरोंके सिरमौर महाभाग महात्मा द्रोणाचार्यने प्रसन्न होकर वह अस्त्र पहले अर्जुनको दिया था
tanmahātmā mahābhāgaḥ ketuḥ sarvadhanuṣmatām | pratyapādayad ācāryaḥ prīyamāṇo dhanañjayam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: That great-souled, highly fortunate preceptor—renowned as the foremost among all archers—being pleased, formally bestowed that weapon upon Dhanañjaya (Arjuna). The moment underscores the ethical weight of a teacher’s favor: mastery is not merely skill, but a trust conferred through discipline, worthiness, and the guru’s approval.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that exceptional power (astra-knowledge) is ethically mediated through the guru’s discernment and approval; skill becomes legitimate and responsible when granted to a worthy disciple within discipline and trust.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Droṇa—celebrated as the foremost among archers—was pleased with Arjuna and therefore bestowed the (previously mentioned) weapon upon him, marking Arjuna’s recognized excellence and the formal transfer of martial capability.