Shloka 24
Sātyaki’s Assurance and the Protection of Dharmarāja (सात्यकिवचनम्—धर्मराजरक्षणविचारः)
तमनुप्रयतो वायु: पुण्यगन्धवह: शुभ: । ववीौ संहर्षयन् पार्थ द्विषतश्चापि शोषयन्,अर्जुनके प्रस्थान करनेपर पीछेसे मंगलमय पवित्र एवं सुगन्धयुक्त वायु बहने लगी, जो अर्जुनका हर्ष बढ़ाती हुई उनके शत्रुओंका शोषण कर रही थी
tam anuprayato vāyuḥ puṇyagandhavahaḥ śubhaḥ | vavau saṁharṣayan pārtha dviṣataś cāpi śoṣayan ||
Sañjaya said: As Arjuna (Pārtha) set forth, a favorable wind, bearing a sacred and fragrant scent, began to blow from behind him. It heightened Arjuna’s ardor and confidence, while at the same time drying up and weakening his foes—an auspicious sign that righteousness and divine favor were strengthening the just in the midst of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames moral causality through an omen: when a righteous warrior advances in a just cause, nature itself is portrayed as supportive—strengthening the virtuous while undermining hostile forces. It reinforces the epic’s idea that dharma attracts auspicious alignment and inner courage.
As Arjuna departs to engage in battle, a fragrant, auspicious wind blows from behind him. It energizes him and simultaneously weakens his enemies, functioning as a narrative sign of favorable momentum for Arjuna’s side.