Shloka 536
Adhyāya 168: Arjuna’s counters to māyā-rains and the onset of darkness
Nivātakavaca engagement
अस्त्राणां प्रतिघाते च सर्वथैव प्रयोजयेत् । “अपनेसे अल्पशक्तिवाले विपक्षी पर यदि इसका प्रहार किया जाय तो यह सम्पूर्ण विश्वको दग्ध कर देगा। धनंजय! जब शत्रुके द्वारा अपनेको बहुत पीड़ा प्राप्त होने लगे
arjuna uvāca | astrāṇāṁ pratighāte ca sarathaiva prayojayet |
Arjuna said: “This weapon should be employed, in every way, for countering weapons. If it is hurled against an opponent of lesser power, it would burn up the entire world. Therefore, O Dhanañjaya, when one is being grievously tormented by the enemy, it should be used for self-protection. To destroy the enemy’s missiles, its use is wholly appropriate.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in warfare, power must be governed by dharma: a devastating weapon should not be used against a weaker foe, and its proper use is defensive—primarily to neutralize incoming weapons and protect oneself when severely harmed.
Arjuna is speaking about the correct deployment of a powerful astra, stressing that it is meant for countering enemy missiles and for self-preservation under extreme distress, while warning that misuse against a lesser opponent could cause catastrophic, world-burning consequences.