Shloka 12
Adhyāya 112: Bhīṣma-prati Arjunasya Pravṛttiḥ
Arjuna’s Forward Drive Toward Bhīṣma
अथोपायान्महाराज सव्यसाची धनंजय: । त्रासयन् रथिन: सर्वान् बीभत्सुरपराजित:
athopāyān mahārāja savyasācī dhanañjayaḥ | trāsayan rathinaḥ sarvān bībhatsur aparājitaḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : Alors, ô Roi, Dhanañjaya Arjuna—célèbre sous le nom de Savyasācī pour son égale adresse des deux mains—s’avança vers eux. Invaincu au combat, le redoutable Bībhatsu jeta l’effroi parmi tous les guerriers de char en se rapprochant.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of resolute action: Arjuna advances without being overcome, embodying disciplined courage and mastery (savyasācī). Ethically, it frames battlefield prowess as a function of steadfastness in one’s ordained duty rather than mere aggression.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna moves forward toward the opposing chariot-warriors. His approach itself becomes a psychological force—he terrifies the rathins—indicating that Arjuna is pressing the battle and challenging the enemy line.