Shloka 24
Divyāstrāṇāṃ Pradarśana-nivāraṇa
Display of Divine Weapons and Its Prohibition
अद्यास्त्रमाययैतेषां मायामेतां सुदारुणाम् । विनिहन्मि तमश्नोग्रं मा भै: सूत स्थिरो भव,मातलिका यह वचन सुनकर मैंने स्वयं ही अपने-आपको सँभाला और दानवोंके उस महान् मायाबलका निवारण करते हुए भयभीत मातलिसे कहा--'सूत! आप डरें मत। स्थिरतापूर्वक रथपर बैठे रहें और देखें, मेरी इन भुजाओंमें कितना बल है? मेरे गाण्डीव धनुष तथा अस्त्रोंका कैसा प्रभाव है? आज मैं अपने अस्त्रोंकी मायासे इन दानवोंकी इस भयंकर माया तथा घोर अन्धकारका विनाश किये देता हूँ
arjuna uvāca | adyāstramāyayai teṣāṃ māyām etāṃ sudāruṇām | vinihanmi tamaś cograṃ mā bhaiḥ sūta sthiro bhava ||
Arjuna said: “Today, by the power of my weapons, I will destroy this exceedingly dreadful illusion of these demons, and I will also dispel this fierce darkness. Do not be afraid, charioteer—remain steady.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Steadiness in crisis: fear and confusion (tamas) are to be met with composure and disciplined capability. Arjuna reassures his companion and commits to removing deceptive forces, showing that courage includes calming others and acting with focused skill.
Arjuna addresses the charioteer (identified in the surrounding narration as Mātali), who is frightened by the demons’ terrifying magical illusion and darkness. Arjuna declares he will counter it using his weapon-power and tells the charioteer to remain steady and unafraid.