Shloka 38
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
अर्जुनश्वापि संक्रुद्धः क्षत्रियान् क्षत्रियर्षभ: । अयोधयत संग्रामे वज़्रपाणिरिवासुरान्,क्षत्रियशिरोमणि अर्जुन भी अत्यन्त कुपित होकर क्षत्रियोंके साथ संग्रामभूमिमें उसी प्रकार युद्ध करने लगे, जैसे वज्रधारी इन्द्र असुरोंके साथ करते हैं
arjunaś cāpi saṅkruddhaḥ kṣatriyān kṣatriyarṣabhaḥ | ayodhayat saṅgrāme vajrapāṇir ivāsurān ||
Sañjaya sprach: Auch Arjuna, von gerechtem Zorn entflammt, der Stier unter den Kṣatriyas, kämpfte auf dem Schlachtfeld gegen die kṣatriyischen Krieger—wie Indra, der den Vajra führt, gegen die Asuras streitet.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma: when conflict is unavoidable and duty demands protection of order, a warrior’s fierce energy can be ethically framed as disciplined, purpose-driven force—symbolized by the Indra–asura comparison (defense of cosmic order rather than personal cruelty).
Sañjaya describes Arjuna entering the thick of combat, intensely provoked, and powerfully engaging the opposing kṣatriya fighters. His prowess is compared to Indra striking down asuras, emphasizing overwhelming martial dominance.