Shloka 6
अर्जुनस्योत्तरदिग्विजयः
Arjuna’s Northern Conquests and Tribute Collection
(ततस्तु भगवान् कृष्णो जरासंधजिघांसया । भीमसेनं समालोक्य नलं॑ जग्राह पाणिना ।।
tatas tu bhagavān kṛṣṇo jarāsandhajighāṃsayā | bhīmasenaṃ samālokya nalaṃ jagrāha pāṇinā || dvidhā ciccheda vai tat tu jarāsandhavadhaṃ prati |
Then Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa, intent on bringing about Jarāsandha’s death, looked toward Bhīmasena and took a reed in his hand. He deliberately split it into two, offering Bhīma a wordless sign: Jarāsandha is to be slain by being torn apart. The episode underscores Kṛṣṇa’s strategic guidance—directing force toward a dharmic end through intelligence rather than mere rage.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power should be guided by discernment: Kṛṣṇa channels Bhīma’s strength through a precise, nonverbal instruction, showing that even in violent duties like removing a tyrant, dharmic success depends on strategy, timing, and right intention rather than brute force alone.
Kṛṣṇa, aiming at Jarāsandha’s death, looks at Bhīma and splits a reed into two. This symbolic act communicates the method of killing—tearing the opponent apart—serving as a tactical संकेत (hint) for Bhīma in the impending combat.