Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 27
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
मार्गो गजसहस्रस्य युगपद् गच्छतो वने । यथा भवेत् तथा जज्ञे रथमार्ग: किरीटिन:
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
mārgo gajasahasrasya yugapad gacchato vane |
yathā bhavet tathā jajñe rathamārgaḥ kirīṭinaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : « De même que, dans une forêt, lorsque mille éléphants avancent ensemble au même instant, leurs empreintes tracent un chemin large et nettement marqué, ainsi la voie du char d’Arjuna, le porteur du diadème, s’ouvrit avec clarté—rendue manifeste par sa pluie ininterrompue de flèches. »
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how disciplined prowess and focused action can ‘clear a path’ through obstacles. In a dharmic frame, it praises the effective execution of a kṣatriya’s duty in battle—skill used decisively to protect and advance one’s rightful cause.
During the Virāṭa episode’s battle scene, Arjuna (the diadem-wearer, Kirīṭin) drives his chariot through the battlefield. His continuous arrow-shower forces opponents back and opens the way ahead, likened to the broad track formed when many elephants move together through a forest.