Shloka 15
इतरे त्वथ सम्मूढास्तत्र तत्र प्रपेदिरे । तंतु दृष्टवा क्रियोपेतं द्रोणोडमन्यत पाण्डवम्,परंतु दूसरे राजकुमार हक््के-बक्के-से होकर अपने-अपने स्थानपर ही खड़े रह गये। अर्जुनको तत्काल कार्यमें तत्पर देख द्रोणाचार्यने उन्हें अपने सब शिष्योंसे बढ़कर माना और उस समय वे उनपर बहुत प्रसन्न हुए। अर्जुनके बाणोंसे ग्राहके टुकड़े-टुकड़े हो गये और वह महात्मा द्रोणकी पिंडली छोड़कर मर गया। तब द्रोणाचार्यने महारथी महात्मा अर्जुनसे कहा--
itare tv atha sammūḍhās tatra tatra prapedire | taṃtu dṛṣṭvā kriyopetaṃ droṇo ’manyata pāṇḍavam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The others, however, stood bewildered, each remaining where he was. Seeing the Pāṇḍava (Arjuna) promptly engaged in effective action, Droṇa regarded him as foremost among all his pupils and was greatly pleased with him at that time.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the ethical value of presence of mind and disciplined readiness: when others freeze in confusion, the one who acts skillfully and promptly earns trust and recognition. It also reflects a teacher’s discernment—praising demonstrated competence rather than mere status.
During a martial exercise or test, the other youths are bewildered and remain standing in place, while Arjuna immediately applies himself to the task. Observing Arjuna’s effective action, Droṇa judges him superior among his students and becomes pleased with him.