Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 17
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
रथशक्तिममित्राणां प्रागेव निपतद् भुवि । सो5पयात् सहसा पश्चात् साहसाच्चाभ्युपेयिवान्
rathaśaktim amitrāṇāṃ prāg eva nipatad bhuvi | so 'payāt sahasā paścāt sāhasāc cābhyupeyivān |
Vaiśampāyana said: Arjuna had already struck down the enemies’ ratha-weapon so that it fell upon the ground. Then, judging it an improper rashness to slay those who were now helpless, he withdrew from that spot; but seeing them again readying themselves for battle, he returned to confront them once more.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in warfare, dharma requires restraint: striking down the helpless is treated as improper audacity. Force should be proportionate and directed only against those who remain a genuine threat.
Arjuna disables the enemies’ chariot-weapon so it falls to the ground. He then withdraws, considering it wrong to kill opponents rendered powerless; but when they again show readiness to fight, he returns to engage them.