Shloka 18
वज्रदत्तेन सह अर्जुनयुद्धम्
Arjuna’s engagement with Vajradatta during the Aśvamedha circuit
ततः: स पुनरारुह्म वारणप्रवरं रणे | अव्यग्रः प्रेषयामास जयार्थी विजयं प्रति,तदनन्तर वज्रदत्तनें पुन: उस श्रेष्ठ गजराजपर आरूढ़ हो रणभूमिमें बिना किसी घबराहटके विजयकी अभिलाषा रखकर अर्जुनकी ओर उस हाथीको बढ़ाया
tataḥ sa punar āruhya vāraṇapravaraṃ raṇe | avyagraḥ preṣayāmāsa jayārthī vijayaṃ prati ||
Entonces montó de nuevo al más excelso de los elefantes en el campo de batalla. Sereno y ansioso de victoria, lo espoleó hacia Vijaya (Arjuna), buscando el triunfo en la lucha.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadiness of mind (avyagraḥ) and determined effort in one’s chosen duty; in a martial context it portrays the kṣatriya ideal of acting without panic while pursuing the intended objective.
A warrior remounts a superior war-elephant and, remaining calm, drives it forward toward Vijaya—i.e., Arjuna—seeking victory in the ongoing battle.