Shloka 4
Kuru-Sainika-Āśvāsana and Vijayaghoṣaṇa
Reassuring the Kuru Soldiers; Proclaiming Victory
नराश्चकायान् निर्भिद्य लौहानि कवचानि च । पार्थस्य शरजालानि विनिष्पेतु: सहस्रश:
narāś ca kāyān nirbhidya lauhāni kavacāni ca | pārthasya śarajālāni viniṣpetuḥ sahasraśaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Piercing through the bodies of men and shattering even their iron armours, the dense volleys of arrows shot by Pārtha fell down in their thousands—an image of overwhelming martial force where skill and resolve turn the battlefield into a scene of inevitable consequence.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the irresistible momentum of disciplined martial action: when a warrior acts with trained focus and resolve, results follow with certainty. Ethically, it reflects the harsh reality of kṣatriya warfare—power used in battle brings unavoidable harm, and thus demands responsibility and right purpose.
Vaiśampāyana describes Pārtha (Arjuna) unleashing massive volleys of arrows. These arrows pierce warriors’ bodies and break through iron armour, then fall in great numbers, conveying the scale and effectiveness of his attack.