Sanjaya said: To the grieving Arjuna, who was overpowered thus by sympathy, with tears dimming his vision, Madhusudana (Krishna) spoke thus:
Mahabharata war was unprecedented, no doubt. But even more so was what took place just before the arrows were discharged.
Arjuna, proficient with rare archery skills, was the one from whom exemplary fighting excellence was expected. He was the one to determine the fate of the whole encounter. But lo, how he sits now!
He was smitten hard by sympathy. His eyes were full of tears, and mind agitated to the core. What a stunning contrast! In a place meant to display and witness the best of fighting skill, adventure and excellence, the illustrious fighter Arjuna sits aggrieved and agitated. Who but Krishna is there to see the plight and address the victim! Krishna began to speak.