Shloka 21
अध्याय ९१ — शैनेयस्य गजानीकभेदनं जलसंधवधश्च
Chapter 91: Sātyaki breaks the elephant array and slays Jalasaṃdha
नृत्यतो रथमार्गेषु धनुर्व्यायच्छतस्तथा । न वश्षित् तत्र पार्थस्य ददृशेडन्तरमण्वपि,अर्जुन वहाँ इस प्रकार निरन्तर रथके मार्गोंपर विचरते और खींच रहे थे कि उस समय कोई भी उनपर प्रहार करनेका धनुषको थोड़ा-सा भी अवसर नहीं देख पाता था
nṛtyato rathamārgeṣu dhanurvyāyacchatas tathā | na vāśit tatra pārthasya dadṛśed antaram aṇv api ||
Sañjaya said: As Pārtha (Arjuna) moved ceaselessly along the chariot-tracks, whirling as if in a dance and repeatedly drawing and stretching his bow, no one there could perceive even the slightest opening to strike him. The verse shows how disciplined mastery and unwavering focus, amid the chaos of war, can deny the enemy any chance—tactical or even moral—and turn skill itself into protection.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that steadfast concentration and trained discipline can create a protective field of action: when one’s conduct is precise and continuous, opponents find no ‘opening’—a practical lesson in vigilance and mastery within the demands of kṣatriya-dharma.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna’s rapid, dance-like maneuvering along the chariot routes while repeatedly drawing his bow. His constant motion and readiness leave the enemy unable to find even a momentary vulnerability to attack.