Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 33
Adhyāya 61: Saṃmohana-astra and the Kuru Withdrawal (संमोहनास्त्रं तथा कुरुनिवृत्तिः)
वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमाश्वासितस्तेन वैराटि: सव्यसाचिना । व्यवागाहद् रथानीकं भीम॑ भीष्माभिरक्षितम्
vaiśampāyana uvāca | evam āśvāsitas tena vairāṭiḥ savyasācinā | vyavāgāhad rathānīkaṃ bhīmaṃ bhīṣmābhirakṣitam ||
বৈশম্পায়ন বললেন—সব্যসাচী অর্জুন এভাবে আশ্বস্ত করলে বিরাটপুত্র সেই ভয়ংকর রথবিন্যাসে প্রবেশ করল, যা চারিদিক থেকে ভীষ্ম দ্বারা রক্ষিত ছিল।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and psychological dimension of warfare: fear can be steadied through wise reassurance, and a leader/mentor’s presence (Arjuna) can awaken courage and duty (kṣatriya-dharma) in one who hesitates before a formidable enemy protected by a great elder (Bhīṣma).
After Arjuna comforts and encourages Prince Uttara, Uttara advances into the enemy chariot-array, which is described as terrifying and guarded by Bhīṣma.