Shloka 3
Adhyāya 61: Saṃmohana-astra and the Kuru Withdrawal (संमोहनास्त्रं तथा कुरुनिवृत्तिः)
अथ सैन्यं महद् दृष्टवा रथनागहयाकुलम् | अब्रवीदुत्तर: पार्थमपविद्ध: शरैर्भुशम्,यह सुनकर उत्तरने, जो बाणोंसे अत्यन्त घायल हो चुका था, रथों, हाथियों और घोड़ोंसे भरी हुई विशाल सेनाकी ओर देखकर कहा--“वीर! अब मैं युद्धभूमिमें आपके उत्तम घोड़ोंको नहीं सँभाल सकूँगा। मेरे प्राण बड़ी व्यथामें हैं और मन व्याकुल-सा हो रहा है!
atha sainyaṁ mahad dṛṣṭvā rathanāgahayākulam | abravīd uttaraḥ pārtham apaviddhaḥ śarair bhuśam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then, seeing the vast host—crowded with chariots, elephants, and horses—Uttara, grievously struck by arrows, spoke to Pārtha (Arjuna). Overwhelmed by fear and pain before the spectacle of war, he admits his failing strength and wavering mind, confessing that he can no longer control Arjuna’s excellent horses on the battlefield.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the human reality of fear and mental collapse in the face of overwhelming violence. It frames a moral contrast between wavering resolve and the steadiness expected of a warrior and leader, preparing the ground for guidance, reassurance, and the restoration of courage.
As the battle situation intensifies and the enemy host appears immense, Uttara—already badly wounded—turns to Arjuna and confesses that he cannot continue to manage the chariot horses. His words signal panic and incapacity at a critical moment in the Virāṭa episode.