Shloka 43
Irāvān-nidhana-anantaraṃ Ghaṭotkaca-nādaḥ
After Irāvān’s fall: Ghaṭotkaca’s roar and the clash with Duryodhana
ततो राज्ञां बहुशतैर्गजाश्वरथयायिभि: । संवृतं समरे भीष्म देवैरपि दुरासदम्
tato rājñāṁ bahuśatair gajāśvarathayāyibhiḥ | saṁvṛtaṁ samare bhīṣmaṁ devair api durāsadam | vāsudevam uvācedaṁ kaunteyaḥ śvetavāhanaḥ ||
三阇耶说道：“其时，毗湿摩——在战阵中被数百位乘象、乘马、乘战车的诸王环绕，强悍得连诸天也难以逼近——昆蒂之子、白马战车的阿周那，对瓦苏提婆（奎师那）说道如下之言。”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the epic’s ethical tension: even when a warrior like Bhīṣma is nearly unassailable and backed by many kings, right action in war depends on clear counsel and discernment. Arjuna turning to Kṛṣṇa highlights the dharmic ideal that power alone is insufficient; guidance aligned with righteousness is essential.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma in the thick of battle, surrounded by numerous royal fighters on elephants, horses, and chariots. At this moment, Arjuna—identified by his epithet ‘Śvetavāhana’—addresses Kṛṣṇa (Vāsudeva), signaling an imminent strategic or moral exchange in response to Bhīṣma’s formidable presence.