Shloka 36
Book 10, Adhyāya 12: Aśvatthāmā’s Request for the Cakra and the Brahmaśiras Context
एवमुक्तो मया द्रौणिमामिदं प्रत्युवाच ह । प्रयुज्य भवते पूजां योत्स्ये कृष्ण त्ववा सह
evam ukto mayā drauṇimām idaṁ pratyuvāca ha | prayujya bhavate pūjāṁ yotsye kṛṣṇa tvayā saha
நான் இவ்வாறு கூறியபோது த்ரௌணி எனக்கு மறுமொழி கூறினான்—“ஓ கிருஷ்ணா! உமக்கு முறையாகப் பூஜை செய்து, உம்முடனே சேர்ந்து நான் போரிடுவேன்.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in conflict, the Mahābhārata often frames action within codes of conduct: respect and proper address (pūjā, honorific speech) precede the assertion of martial intent, highlighting the tension between etiquette and violence.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that after being spoken to, Drauṇi (Aśvatthāman) responds to Kṛṣṇa, declaring that he will first render due honor and then engage in battle together with him.