Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 31
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
ओषधीनां शिरांसीव द्विषच्छीर्षाणि सो<न्वयात् । अवनेशु: कुरूणां हि वीर्याण्यर्जुनजाद भयात्,वे धानकी बालके समान शत्रुओंके सिर क्रमशः काटते जाते थे। अर्जुनके भयसे कौरवोंकी सारी शक्ति नष्ट हो गयी थी
oṣadhīnāṃ śirāṃsīva dviṣacchīrṣāṇi so 'nvayāt | avaneśuḥ kurūṇāṃ hi vīryāṇy arjunajād bhayāt ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Like a reaper cutting down the heads of medicinal plants one after another, he went on striking down the heads of his foes in succession. Indeed, through fear born of Arjuna, the Kuru warriors’ strength and resolve collapsed.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how fear can dissolve even great martial strength: when a leader’s prowess is overwhelming, opponents may lose resolve before they are physically defeated. Ethically, it underscores the psychological dimension of kṣatriya warfare—valor is not only bodily power but steadiness of mind.
In the Virāṭa episode’s battle context, Arjuna is cutting down enemy warriors relentlessly—likened to severing plant-heads in a field—while the Kuru forces, intimidated by Arjuna’s reputation and presence, see their fighting power fail.