Shloka 40
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
तद् गोकुलमिवोदशभ्रान्तमुद्भ्रान्तरथयूथपम्
tad gokulam ivodaśa-bhrāntam ud-bhrānta-ratha-yūthapam | uvāca pārtha bībhatsuṁ nigṛhya ratham uttamam ||
सञ्जय उवाच—तत् पाण्डुनन्दनस्य सैन्यं गोकुलमिव व्याकुलं भ्रमद् दृष्टम्, आर्तस्वरेण हाहाकारं कुर्वत्; बहवश्च रथयूथपतयः किंकर्तव्यविमूढा विचेरुः। स्वसैन्ये एवं भगदां दृष्ट्वा यादुकुलनन्दनः भगवान् श्रीकृष्णः उत्तमं रथं निगृह्य स्थगयित्वा कुन्तीपुत्रम् अर्जुनं बीभत्सुम् उवाच।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a battlefield crisis, dharma is sustained through steadiness and right counsel: when collective fear and confusion spread, a competent guide restrains impulsive motion, restores clarity, and directs action according to duty rather than panic.
Sañjaya reports that Yudhiṣṭhira’s forces are in disarray—scattering like frightened cattle, with even chariot-commanders confused. Seeing the rout, Kṛṣṇa halts the chariot and addresses Arjuna, preparing to give immediate guidance for the next course of action.