Shloka 6
Kārtavīrya–Samudra Saṃvāda and the Jāmadagnya Precedent (आश्वमेधिक पर्व, अध्याय २९)
अजुन उवाच मत्समो यदि संग्रामे शरासनधर: क्वचित् । विद्यते तं समाचक्ष्व य: समासीत मां मृथे,कार्तवीर्य अर्जुन बोला--समुद्र! यदि कहीं मेरे समान धनुर्धर वीर मौजूद हो, जो युद्धमें मेरा मुकाबला कर सके तो उसका पता बता दो। फिर मैं तुम्हें छोड़कर चला जाऊँगा
arjuna uvāca matsamo yadi saṅgrāme śarāsanadharaḥ kvacit | vidyate taṃ samācakṣva yaḥ samāsīta māṃ mṛdhe ||
Arjuna said: “O Ocean, if anywhere there exists a bowman equal to me in battle—one who could truly stand against me in combat—then point him out. Otherwise, I shall leave you and depart.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Kshatriya ideal of testing one’s prowess against a worthy adversary, while also hinting at the ethical tension between rightful valor and self-assertive pride—strength should be directed toward dharmic purpose, not mere domination.
Arjuna addresses the Ocean and demands to be told of any warrior equal to him who can face him in battle; if none exists, he declares he will desist and depart—framing a challenge that advances the episode’s search for a fitting confrontation.