Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 55
Vyāsa’s Vision, the Power of Bhāgavatam, and the Arrest of Aśvatthāmā
सूत उवाच अर्जुन: सहसाज्ञाय हरेर्हार्दमथासिना । मणिं जहार मूर्धन्यं द्विजस्य सहमूर्धजम् ॥ ५५ ॥
sūta uvāca arjunaḥ sahasājñāya harer hārdam athāsinā maṇiṁ jahāra mūrdhanyaṁ dvijasya saha-mūrdhajam
苏塔·哥斯瓦米说：就在那时，阿周那通过主模棱两可的命令明白了主的意图，于是挥剑斩断了阿施瓦特塔玛头上的头发和宝石。
Contradictory orders of different persons are impossible to carry out. Therefore a compromise was selected by Arjuna by his sharp intelligence, and he separated the jewel from the head of Aśvatthāmā. This was as good as cutting off his head, and yet his life was saved for all practical purposes. Here Aśvatthāmā is indicated as twice-born. Certainly he was twice-born, but he fell down from his position, and therefore he was properly punished.
FAQs
This verse states that Arjuna, understanding Lord Hari’s inner intention, used his sword to remove the head-jewel from the brāhmaṇa’s son (Aśvatthāmā), even taking the hair with it—indicating a decisive yet measured act of justice.
Because Arjuna was guided by Kṛṣṇa’s will and dharma: he carried out punishment in a way that restrained Aśvatthāmā and removed his power (the jewel), aligning action with the Lord’s purpose rather than personal anger.
Before acting, seek the higher dharmic purpose—choose responses that correct wrongdoing without becoming vengeful, and let spiritual principles guide decisive but compassionate action.