Shloka 22
Arjuna’s Concentrated Archery and the Rout of the Kaurava Mahārathas
Gāṇḍīva-Nirghoṣa Episode
तत:ः कनकपवग्रिर्वीर: संनतपर्वभि: । त्वरन् गाण्डीवनिर्मुक्तैरर्जुनस्तस्य वाजिन:
tataḥ kanakapavagrir vīraḥ sannatapārva-bhiḥ | tvaran gāṇḍīva-nirmuktair arjunas tasya vājinaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then the heroic Arjuna, acting with swift resolve, released from the Gāṇḍīva four arrows whose tips were golden and whose joints were well-set and slightly bent. With those keen, excellent shafts he pierced the four horses of Kṛpācārya. Struck by the blazing force of the arrows—like serpents scorched by poison-fire—the horses suddenly sprang up, and Kṛpa was thrown down from his position.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined, purposeful action in conflict: Arjuna’s skill is shown through precise targeting that neutralizes an opponent’s capacity to fight (the chariot team) rather than uncontrolled aggression. It reflects kṣatriya-dharma as regulated force guided by intent and mastery.
Arjuna rapidly shoots four excellent, golden-tipped arrows from the Gāṇḍīva and pierces Kṛpācārya’s four horses. The horses recoil violently, and Kṛpa is jolted from his position, indicating a sudden tactical advantage for Arjuna.