Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 32
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
अर्जुनानिलभिगन्नानि वनान्यर्जुनविद्विषाम् । चक्रुलोहितधाराभिर्धरणीं लोहितान्तराम्,अर्जुनके शत्रुरूपी वन अर्जुनरूपी वायुसे ही छिन्न-भिन्न हो लाल धाराएँ (रक्त) बहाकर पृथ्वीको भी लाल करने लगे
vaibamp01yana uv01ca |
arjun01nilabhigann01ni van01ny arjunavidvi 6301m |
cakrur lohitadh01r01bhir dhara 472bm lohit01ntar01m ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The forests that were hostile to Arjuna, when struck by the wind-like onset of Arjuna, were torn apart and made to pour forth red streams, so that even the earth appeared streaked and filled with redness. The image underscores how overwhelming force, when directed in battle, can transform the very landscape—a reminder that violence leaves marks beyond the immediate foe and therefore demands restraint and right purpose (dharma).
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a powerful simileArjuna as a wind that shreds an enemy forestto highlight that martial power can overwhelm everything in its path. Ethically, it implies that such force must be governed by dharma, because its effects spread beyond the immediate opponent and stain the world around it.
Vaibamp01yana describes Arjunas fierce advance: the forest, treated as if hostile to him, is battered like by a storm, broken apart, and made to run with red streams, leaving the ground appearing red-streaked.