Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 3
Adhyāya 61: Saṃmohana-astra and the Kuru Withdrawal (संमोहनास्त्रं तथा कुरुनिवृत्तिः)
अथ सैन्यं महद् दृष्टवा रथनागहयाकुलम् | अब्रवीदुत्तर: पार्थमपविद्ध: शरैर्भुशम्
atha sainyaṁ mahad dṛṣṭvā rathanāgahayākulam | abravīd uttaraḥ pārtham apaviddhaḥ śarair bhuśam ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Entonces, al ver el gran ejército—atestado de carros, elefantes y caballos—Uttara, gravemente herido por las flechas, habló a Pārtha (Arjuna). Abrumado por el miedo y el dolor ante el espectáculo de la guerra, confesó que sus fuerzas flaqueaban y su mente vacilaba, y que ya no podía dominar los excelentes caballos de Arjuna en el campo de batalla.
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.