Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 27
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
मार्गो गजसहस्रस्य युगपद् गच्छतो वने । यथा भवेत् तथा जज्ञे रथमार्ग: किरीटिन:
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
mārgo gajasahasrasya yugapad gacchato vane |
yathā bhavet tathā jajñe rathamārgaḥ kirīṭinaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Just as, in a forest, when a thousand elephants move together at the same time, their footprints make a broad and clearly marked path, so too did the path of the diadem-wearing Arjuna’s chariot become clearly opened—made plain by his unceasing shower of arrows.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how disciplined prowess and focused action can ‘clear a path’ through obstacles. In a dharmic frame, it praises the effective execution of a kṣatriya’s duty in battle—skill used decisively to protect and advance one’s rightful cause.
During the Virāṭa episode’s battle scene, Arjuna (the diadem-wearer, Kirīṭin) drives his chariot through the battlefield. His continuous arrow-shower forces opponents back and opens the way ahead, likened to the broad track formed when many elephants move together through a forest.