Shloka 23
Rathaghoṣa–Saṃjñāna: Damayantī’s Inference and the Dispatch of the Envoy (Āraṇyaka-parva, Adhyāya 71)
ते चोद्यमाना विधिवद् बाहुकेन हयोत्तमा: । समुत्पेतुरथाकाशं रथिनं मोहयजन्निव,फिर अपने हाथमें बागडोर ले उन्हें काबूमें करके रथको आगे बढ़ानेकी इच्छा की। वा्ष्णेय सारथिको रथपर बैठाकर अत्यन्त वेगका आश्रय ले उन्होंने रथ हाँक दिया। बाहुकके द्वारा विधिपूर्वक हाँके जाते हुए वे उत्तम अश्व रथीको मोहित--से करते हुए इतने तीव्र वेगसे चले, मानो आकाशमें उड़ रहे हों
te codyamānā vidhivad bāhukena hayottamāḥ | samutpetur athākāśaṃ rathinaṃ mohayann iva ||
Urged on and guided with proper skill by Bāhuka, the finest horses surged forward with such disciplined speed that they seemed to leap into the sky, as though dazzling and bewildering the charioteer by their very swiftness.
ऋचुपर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that great power (speed, strength, capability) becomes meaningful and safe only when directed vidhivat—through proper method, training, and restraint. Mastery is shown not merely in force but in disciplined control.
Ṛtupārṇa describes the moment when Bāhuka expertly drives the chariot: the horses, urged on in correct fashion, race so swiftly that they seem to fly, leaving the rider/charioteer astonished and overwhelmed by the speed.