Shloka 51
Arjuna’s Himalayan Departure and the Commencement of Severe Tapas
Janamejaya’s Inquiry; Sages Approach Śiva
ततोड्डर्जुनो ग्रस्तधनु: खड्गपाणिरतिष्ठत । युद्धस्यान्तम भी प्सन् वै वेगेनाभिजगाम तम्,तदनन्तर धनुषके ग्रस्त हो जानेपर अर्जुन हाथमें तलवार लेकर खड़े हो गये और युद्धका अन्त कर देनेकी इच्छासे वेगपूर्वक उसपर आक्रमण किया
tato 'rjuno grasta-dhanuḥ khaḍga-pāṇir atiṣṭhata | yuddhasyāntam abhīpsan vai vegenābhijagāma tam ||
Then Arjuna, his bow having been seized, stood firm with a sword in hand. Wishing to bring the combat to its conclusion, he rushed at him with swift force—resolute in battle and intent on ending the encounter decisively.
किरयात उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya resolve: when a primary weapon is lost, one does not abandon duty but adapts and continues with courage. Ethically, it underscores steadfastness and decisive intent in confronting a challenge rather than retreating into confusion or fear.
In the midst of combat, Arjuna’s bow is seized, so he immediately shifts to close combat, standing with sword in hand and charging swiftly at his opponent, determined to bring the fight to an end.