Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 17
अध्याय ५०: उत्तरेण सह अर्जुनस्य रथप्रयाणे ध्वजचिह्नैः कौरवसेनानिर्देशः
Arjuna directs Uttara by identifying Kaurava commanders through banners
नैष देवान् न गन्धर्वान् नासुरान् न च राक्षसान् | भयादिह न मुध्येत कुन्तीपुत्रो धनंजय:,यह कभी सम्भव नहीं है कि कुन्तीनन्दन अर्जुन भयके कारण देवता, गन्धर्व, असुर तथा राक्षसोंसे भी युद्ध न करें
naiṣa devān na gandharvān nāsurān na ca rākṣasān | bhayād iha na muhyeta kuntīputro dhanañjayaḥ ||
Kripa said: “It is not possible that Dhanañjaya, the son of Kuntī, would lose his composure here out of fear and refuse to fight—even against gods, Gandharvas, Asuras, or Rākṣasas.” In context, the statement affirms Arjuna’s steadfast courage and warrior-dharma: fear does not govern his conduct, and his resolve remains firm even before superhuman opponents.
कृप उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores kṣatriya-dharma and inner steadiness: a true warrior like Arjuna does not succumb to fear or confusion, even when facing formidable or supernatural adversaries. Ethical strength is shown as clarity of mind and unwavering commitment to rightful action.
Kṛpa is assessing the situation and expressing confidence in Arjuna’s character. He argues that Arjuna would not be frightened into inaction; rather, his known valor makes it implausible that fear would prevent him from fighting, even against beings beyond ordinary humans.
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