Shloka 13
Karṇa-parva Adhyāya 19 — Saṃśaptaka–Trigarta Assault and Aindra-astra Counter
आभाष्य चैनं मधुरमभीतं तमभीतवत् | प्राह प्रहरतां श्रेष्ठ: स्मितपूर्व समाह्दयत्
ābhāṣya cainaṁ madhuram abhītaṁ tam abhītavat | prāha praharatāṁ śreṣṭhaḥ smitapūrvaṁ samāhṛdayat ||
सञ्जय उवाच—आभाष्य चैनं मधुरमभीतं तमभीतवत् । प्राह प्रहरतां श्रेष्ठः स्मितपूर्वं समाह्वयत् ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the heat of war, the verse highlights a code of conduct: a warrior may issue a challenge firmly yet with controlled speech—madhura-vāk—suggesting restraint, composure, and a disciplined courage rather than uncontrolled rage.
Sañjaya narrates that Aśvatthāmā, described as foremost among fighters, addresses a fearless king/opponent with pleasing words, smiles, and then calls him forward—formally inviting or challenging him to engage in battle.