Shloka 38
Saṃśaptakas in Candrārdha-vyūha; Arjuna’s Devadatta and the Traigarta Rout
Chapter 17
आहूतस्तैर्नरिव्याप्रै: पार्थ: परपुरंजय: । धर्मराजमिदं वाक्यमपदान्तरमब्रवीत्,उन पुरुषसिंह संशप्तकोंद्वारा ललकारे जानेपर शत्रुनगरीपर विजय पानेवाले कुन्तीकुमार अर्जुन तुरंत ही धर्मराज युधिष्ठटिरसे इस प्रकार बोले--
āhūtas tair nari-vyāghraiḥ pārthaḥ para-puraṃ-jayaḥ | dharma-rājam idaṃ vākyam apadāntaram abravīt ||
Sañjaya said: “Summoned and challenged by those tiger-like warriors, Pārtha (Arjuna), the conqueror of enemy strongholds, without a moment’s delay spoke these words to Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira).”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prompt, disciplined action in accordance with dharma: when duty calls in a crisis, hesitation can endanger the larger cause. Arjuna’s immediate address to Yudhiṣṭhira reflects ethical warfare under rightful leadership—acting decisively while remaining accountable to the righteous king.
In the Drona Parva context, Arjuna is challenged/summoned by fierce warriors (understood as the Saṃśaptakas). Sañjaya reports that Arjuna, famed for conquering enemy strongholds, at once turns to Yudhiṣṭhira and begins speaking—setting up Arjuna’s response and ensuing action on the battlefield.