Shloka 126
Rājagṛhe Magadheśvarasya yuddhāhvānam — Arjunena saṃyamaḥ
The Rājagṛha Challenge and Arjuna’s Restraint
गोकर्णमथ चासाद्य प्रभासमपि जग्मिवान् | उन सबको मृदुल पराक्रमसे ही जीतकर वे घोड़ेकी इच्छानुसार उसके पीछे चलनेमें विवश हुए सौराष्ट्र, गोकर्ण और प्रभासक्षेत्रोंमें गये
gokarṇam atha cāsādya prabhāsam api jagmivān |
Vaiśampāyana said: Having reached Gokarṇa, he also proceeded to Prabhāsa. Those who opposed were subdued by gentle yet effective prowess, and, compelled to follow the horse according to its will—as required by the Aśvamedha rite—they went on through Saurāṣṭra, Gokarṇa, and the sacred field of Prabhāsa.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Royal power is to be exercised within dharma: even when asserting sovereignty through the Aśvamedha, the narrative highlights controlled, non-cruel prowess and adherence to ritual order—following the horse’s course rather than mere conquest for its own sake.
The Aśvamedha horse continues its sanctioned wanderings. The accompanying party proceeds through Saurāṣṭra and reaches major tīrthas—Gokarṇa and Prabhāsa—subduing resistance with measured force and then moving on in obedience to the horse’s chosen path.