Kṛṣṇasya Karṇam Prati Sāntvavacana
Kṛṣṇa’s Conciliatory Address to Karṇa
यस्य लोके समो नास्ति कश्चिदन्यो धनुर्धर: । मत्प्रसादात् स बीभत्सु: श्रेयानन्यैर्धनुर्धरै:,मेरी ही कृपासे अर्जुन अन्य धनुर्धरोंसे श्रेष्ठ हो गये हैं। इस समय जगत्में उनके समान दूसरा कोई धनुर्धर नहीं है
yasya loke samo nāsti kaścid anyo dhanurdharaḥ | matprasādāt sa bībhatsuḥ śreyān anyair dhanurdharaiḥ ||
यस्य लोके समो नास्ति कश्चिदन्यो धनुर्धरः। मत्प्रसादात् स बीभत्सुः श्रेयानन्यैर्धनुर्धरैः॥
भीष्म उवाच
The verse underscores how recognized authority (Bhishma) validates merit: Arjuna’s unmatched skill is affirmed as a matter of public standing, linking martial excellence with earned honor and the responsibilities of kshatriya duty.
Bhishma, speaking in the Udyoga Parva context of impending war and counsel, declares Arjuna to be unrivaled among archers and attributes Arjuna’s superiority to Bhishma’s own favor/support, emphasizing Arjuna’s preeminence at that moment.