Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 3
Adhyāya 61: Saṃmohana-astra and the Kuru Withdrawal (संमोहनास्त्रं तथा कुरुनिवृत्तिः)
अथ सैन्यं महद् दृष्टवा रथनागहयाकुलम् | अब्रवीदुत्तर: पार्थमपविद्ध: शरैर्भुशम्
atha sainyaṁ mahad dṛṣṭvā rathanāgahayākulam | abravīd uttaraḥ pārtham apaviddhaḥ śarair bhuśam ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Dann, als er das gewaltige Heer sah—gedrängt von Wagen, Elefanten und Pferden—sprach Uttara, schwer von Pfeilen verwundet, zu Pārtha (Arjuna). Von Furcht und Schmerz vor dem Anblick des Krieges überwältigt, gestand er, dass seine Kraft versage und sein Geist wanke, und dass er Arjunas vortreffliche Pferde auf dem Schlachtfeld nicht länger zu zügeln vermöge.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the human reality of fear and mental collapse in the face of overwhelming violence. It frames a moral contrast between wavering resolve and the steadiness expected of a warrior and leader, preparing the ground for guidance, reassurance, and the restoration of courage.
As the battle situation intensifies and the enemy host appears immense, Uttara—already badly wounded—turns to Arjuna and confesses that he cannot continue to manage the chariot horses. His words signal panic and incapacity at a critical moment in the Virāṭa episode.