Mahabharata 7.149.24 — Drona Parva, Adhyaya 149, Shloka 24
अलंबलवधः (Alaṃbala-vadhaḥ) / The Slaying of Alaṃbala and the Advance toward Karṇa
यत् तत् पूर्वमुपाकुर्वन्नस्त्रं मामब्रवीत् कृप:
yat tat pūrvam upākurvann astraṃ mām abravīt kṛpaḥ
சஞ்சயன் கூறினான்—அதே ஆயுதம்; முன்பு அதைத் தயாரித்துக் கொண்டிருந்தபோது கிருபன் என்னிடம் கூறியதுதான்.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores responsible handling of power: an astra is not merely physical force but a disciplined, prepared instrument. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such power demands prior instruction, restraint, and mindful recall of what was taught.
Sañjaya, narrating events to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, refers back to an earlier moment when Kṛpa had spoken to him about a particular astra while making it ready. The line functions as a connective reminder, linking the present action to prior preparation and counsel.
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