Shloka 28
नाशवनुवंश्व भूतानि महान्त्यपि रणेडर्जुनम्,कृष्णमशभ्युद्यतास्त्रं च नादं मुमुचुरुल्बणम् | उन्होंने उस जलते हुए वनको और मारनेके लिये अस्त्र उठाये हुए श्रीकृष्ण तथा अर्जुनको देखा। उत्पात और आर्तनादके शब्दसे उस वनमें खड़े हुए वे सभी प्राणी संत्रस्त- से हो उठे थे। उस वनको अनेक प्रकारसे दग्ध होते देख और अस्त्र उठाये हुए श्रीकृष्णपर दृष्टि डाल भयानक आर्तनाद करने लगे अमोघ अस्त्रधारी अर्जुको उस समय बड़े-से-बड़े प्राणी देख भी न सके, फिर रणभूमिमें युद्ध तो कर ही कैसे सकते थे। वे कभी एक ही बाणसे सैकड़ोंको बींध डालते थे और कभी एकहीको सौ बाणोंसे घायल कर देते थे
nāśvānuvamśva bhūtāni mahānty api raṇe 'rjunam, kṛṣṇam abhyudyatāstraṃ ca nādaṃ mumucur ulbaṇam |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Even the mightiest creatures could not withstand Arjuna in battle. Seeing the forest ablaze, and seeing Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna with weapons raised to strike, the beings standing there were seized by terror and let out dreadful cries. Overwhelmed by ominous portents and anguished wailing, they lamented loudly; for how could they fight on a battlefield when they could not even bear the sight of the unfailing, weapon-bearing Arjuna?
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical strain created when overwhelming martial capability is applied in a setting where many living beings are trapped and terrified. It invites reflection on power, responsibility, and the suffering that accompanies large-scale violence—even when the agents are heroic figures.
As the forest burns, creatures within it see Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna standing with weapons raised. Terrified by the blaze and the imminent use of weapons, they cry out loudly; even the strongest beings cannot face Arjuna, so resistance is futile.