Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 20
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
सकृदेवानतं शेकू रथमभ्यसितु परे । अलभ्य: पुनरश्वैस्तु रथात् सो$तिप्रपादयेत्
sakṛd evānataṃ śeku ratham abhyasitu pare | alabhyaḥ punar aśvais tu rathāt so 'tiprapādayet ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Die feindlichen Krieger konnten jenen Wagen nur ein einziges Mal erkennen, wenn er sich zum ersten Mal näherte. Eine zweite Gelegenheit erhielten sie nie—denn sobald Arjuna heranstürmte, schleuderte er sie von ihren Wagen und sandte sie, samt ihren Pferden, aus dieser Welt in die nächste.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights decisive execution of duty in a righteous battle context: once the enemy comes within range, hesitation is dangerous, and the protector (Arjuna) acts swiftly to neutralize threats, reflecting kṣatriya-dharma and the priority of safeguarding those under one’s protection.
During the Virāṭa campaign, Arjuna’s chariot closes rapidly on the opposing soldiers. They can identify him only at the first approach; immediately thereafter he overwhelms them, casting them down from their chariots and effectively killing them, leaving no chance for a second engagement.