Shloka 22
प्राग्ज्योतिषे वज्रदत्त-धनंजय-समागमः
Vajradatta Confronts Dhanaṃjaya at Prāgjyotiṣa
स तेन विजयस्तूर्णमासीद् विद्धा: करे भृशम् । मुमोच गाण्डिवं मोहात् तत् पपाताथ भूतले
sa tena vijayas tūrṇam āsīd viddhāḥ kare bhṛśam | mumoca gāṇḍīvaṃ mohāt tat papātātha bhūtale ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Herido por aquella flecha, Arjuna quedó de inmediato abatido; su mano fue gravemente lastimada. Aturdido y desfalleciente, soltó el Gāṇḍīva, y el arco cayó a tierra.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of human strength: even a dharmic hero can be overwhelmed by sudden injury and moha (bewilderment). Ethically, it reminds the listener that prowess is not absolute and that clarity of mind is as crucial as martial skill.
In the course of combat, Arjuna is struck severely in the hand by an opponent’s missile. He momentarily loses composure, releases his famed bow Gāṇḍīva, and it drops to the earth—signaling a sudden reversal and heightened tension in the battle.