Shloka 7
Book 3, Āraṇyaka-parva — Adhyāya 19: Pradyumna’s Reproach of Withdrawal and the Ethics of Kṣātra Reputation
वायुदेव उवाच एवमुक््त्वा ततो वीर हयान् संचोद्य संगरे । रश्मिभिस्तु समुद्यम्य जवेनाभ्यपतत् तदा,भगवान् श्रीकृष्ण कहते हैं--वीरवर! ऐसा कहकर उस सूतपुत्रने घोड़ोंकी बागडोर हाथमें लेकर उन्हें युद्धभूमिकी ओर हाँका और शीघ्रतापूर्वक वहाँ जा पहुँचा
vāyudeva uvāca evam uktvā tato vīra hayān saṃcodya saṅgare | raśmibhis tu samudyamya javena abhyapatat tadā ||
Vāyudeva said: “Having spoken thus, O hero, he urged on the horses in the midst of battle. Grasping the reins firmly, he then rushed forward with speed and reached the battlefield.” The verse highlights disciplined action: speech is followed by decisive, controlled effort—energy guided by restraint (reins) rather than impulse.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that effective action in a crisis requires both resolve and restraint: one should act swiftly, yet with control—symbolized by firmly holding the reins while driving forward.
After speaking, the charioteer/driver urges the horses on, takes the reins in hand, and quickly advances into the battle, arriving at the combat zone.