Shloka 17
अर्जुन–उलूपीसंवादः
Arjuna and Ulūpī: Explanation of Śānti and the Maṇipūra Resolution
सव्यसाची तु संक्रुद्धों विकृष्प बलवद् धनु: । हयांश्वकार निर्जीवान् सारथेश्व शिरोडहरत्
savyasācī tu saṁkruddho vikṛṣya balavad dhanuḥ | hayāṁś cākār nirjīvān sārathes tu śiro 'harat ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : Alors Arjuna, l’archer ambidextre, enflammé de colère, banda son arc avec une force immense. Il abattit les chevaux, les laissant sans vie, et trancha aussi la tête du cocher.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral danger of krodha (anger): even when a warrior’s duty permits force in battle, anger can intensify violence and narrow discernment. It invites reflection on self-control as an ethical safeguard within kṣatriya-dharma.
Arjuna, provoked and furious, draws his bow powerfully and disables the enemy chariot by killing its horses; he then beheads the charioteer, decisively neutralizing the opponent’s mobility and command.