Shloka 17
वासुदेवे स्थिते चापि द्रोणपुत्रं प्रशंससि । यः कलां षोडशी पूर्णा धनंजय न तेडहति,“धनंजय! भगवान् श्रीकृष्णके रहते हुए भी तुम द्रोणपुत्रकी प्रशंसा करते हो, जो तुम्हारी पूरी सोलहवीं कलाके बराबर भी नहीं है
sañjaya uvāca |
vāsudeve sthite cāpi droṇaputraṁ praśaṁsasi |
yaḥ kalāṁ ṣoḍaśīṁ pūrṇāṁ dhanañjaya na te ’rhati ||
ಸಂಜಯನು ಹೇಳಿದನು—ಧನಂಜಯ! ವಾಸುದೇವ (ಶ್ರೀಕೃಷ್ಣ) ನಿನ್ನೊಂದಿಗೆ ನಿಂತಿದ್ದರೂ ನೀನು ದ್ರೋಣಪುತ್ರನನ್ನು ಪ್ರಶಂಸಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವೆ. ಅವನು ನಿನ್ನ ಪರಾಕ್ರಮದ ಪೂರ್ಣ ಹದಿನಾರನೇ ಭಾಗಕ್ಕೂ ಅರ್ಹನಲ್ಲ.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores discernment in praise and confidence in rightful strength: with Kṛṣṇa’s presence as divine support and guidance, Arjuna should not overestimate an opponent. Ethically, it cautions against misplaced admiration that weakens resolve and obscures proportional judgment.
Sañjaya addresses Arjuna, challenging him for praising Aśvatthāmā despite having Kṛṣṇa at his side. He asserts that Aśvatthāmā does not equal even a sixteenth of Arjuna’s capability, aiming to correct Arjuna’s assessment and reinforce morale in the ongoing battle.