Shloka 63
Aśvatthāmā’s Stuti of Rudra and Śiva’s Empowerment (सौप्तिकपर्व, अध्याय ७)
यथावदहमाराद्ध: कृष्णेनाक्लिष्टकर्मणा | तस्मादिष्टतम: कृष्णादन्यो मम न विद्यते,“अनायास ही महान् कर्म करनेवाले श्रीकृष्णने सत्य, शौच, सरलता, त्याग, तपस्या, नियम, क्षमा, भक्ति, धैर्य, बुद्धि और वाणीके द्वारा मेरी यथोचित आराधना की है; अतः श्रीकृष्णसे बढ़कर दूसरा कोई मुझे परम प्रिय नहीं है
yathāvad aham ārāddhaḥ kṛṣṇenākliṣṭa-karmaṇā | tasmād iṣṭatamaḥ kṛṣṇād anyo mama na vidyate ||
यथावदहमाराद्धः कृष्णेनाक्लिष्टकर्मणा । तस्मादिष्टतमः कृष्णादन्यो मम न विद्यते ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights gratitude and discernment in devotion: true affection is grounded in recognized virtue and steadfast beneficence. Kṛṣṇa is cherished not merely for power, but for tireless, righteous conduct that properly honours and supports others.
Sañjaya, speaking to the listener (Dhṛtarāṣṭra in the broader frame), expresses his personal esteem for Kṛṣṇa, stating that Kṛṣṇa has duly honoured him in every fitting way; hence no one is dearer to him than Kṛṣṇa.