Shloka 43
Irāvān-nidhana-anantaraṃ Ghaṭotkaca-nādaḥ
After Irāvān’s fall: Ghaṭotkaca’s roar and the clash with Duryodhana
ततो राज्ञां बहुशतैर्गजाश्वरथयायिभि: । संवृतं समरे भीष्म देवैरपि दुरासदम्
tato rājñāṁ bahuśatair gajāśvarathayāyibhiḥ | saṁvṛtaṁ samare bhīṣmaṁ devair api durāsadam | vāsudevam uvācedaṁ kaunteyaḥ śvetavāhanaḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: Kemudian Bhīṣma—dikepung di medan perang oleh ratusan raja yang menunggang gajah, kuda, dan kereta, serta digeruni bahkan oleh para dewa—telah ditegur oleh putera Kuntī, Arjuna yang berkereta kuda putih, yang berkata demikian kepada Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa).
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the epic’s ethical tension: even when a warrior like Bhīṣma is nearly unassailable and backed by many kings, right action in war depends on clear counsel and discernment. Arjuna turning to Kṛṣṇa highlights the dharmic ideal that power alone is insufficient; guidance aligned with righteousness is essential.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma in the thick of battle, surrounded by numerous royal fighters on elephants, horses, and chariots. At this moment, Arjuna—identified by his epithet ‘Śvetavāhana’—addresses Kṛṣṇa (Vāsudeva), signaling an imminent strategic or moral exchange in response to Bhīṣma’s formidable presence.