Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 20
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
सकृदेवानतं शेकू रथमभ्यसितु परे । अलभ्य: पुनरश्वैस्तु रथात् सो$तिप्रपादयेत्
sakṛd evānataṃ śeku ratham abhyasitu pare | alabhyaḥ punar aśvais tu rathāt so 'tiprapādayet ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The opposing warriors could recognize that chariot only once, when it first drew near. They never got a second chance—for as soon as Arjuna closed in, he hurled them down from their chariots and sent them, along with their horses, from this world to the next.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights decisive execution of duty in a righteous battle context: once the enemy comes within range, hesitation is dangerous, and the protector (Arjuna) acts swiftly to neutralize threats, reflecting kṣatriya-dharma and the priority of safeguarding those under one’s protection.
During the Virāṭa campaign, Arjuna’s chariot closes rapidly on the opposing soldiers. They can identify him only at the first approach; immediately thereafter he overwhelms them, casting them down from their chariots and effectively killing them, leaving no chance for a second engagement.