Shloka 18
Divyāstrāṇāṃ Pradarśana-nivāraṇa
Display of Divine Weapons and Its Prohibition
शम्बरस्य वधे घोर: संग्राम: सुमहानभूत् । सारथ्यं देवराजस्य तत्रापि कृतवानहम्,“शम्बरासुरके वधके समय भी अत्यन्त भयानक युद्ध हुआ था। उसमें भी मैंने देवराज इन्द्रके सारथिका कार्य सँभाला था
śambarasya vadhe ghoraḥ saṅgrāmaḥ sumahān abhūt | sārathyaṃ devarājasya tatrāpi kṛtavān aham ||
Arjuna said: “At the time of Śambara’s slaying, a dreadful and exceedingly great battle took place. Even there, I served as the charioteer of the king of the gods, Indra.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as disciplined service: even a supreme warrior like Arjuna accepts the supportive role of a charioteer for a higher cause, showing that greatness includes readiness to serve where needed.
Arjuna recalls a past episode: during the fierce battle in which the asura Śambara was slain, Arjuna acted as Indra’s charioteer, emphasizing his participation in divine wars and his experience in extreme combat.