Shloka 19
Traigarta Attempt to Seize the Aśvamedha Horse; Arjuna’s Restraint and Tactical Victory
अनुजममुर्महात्मान क्षत्रियाश्व विशाम्पते । विधिवत् पृथिवीपाल धर्मराजस्य शासनात्
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: Anujam amum mahātmānaṃ kṣatriyāś ca viśāṃpate | Vidhivat pṛthivīpālā dharmarājasya śāsanāt ||
वैशम्पायन बोले—हे प्रजानाथ! अनेक क्षत्रिय और पृथ्वीपाल धर्मराज की आज्ञा से विधिपूर्वक उस महात्मा अनुज अर्जुन के पीछे चले। उनके साथ वेदों में पारंगत बहुत-से ब्राह्मण भी धर्मराज की आज्ञा का पालन करते हुए साथ हो लिए।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in governance: a righteous king’s command (Dharmarāja’s śāsana) is to be carried out in a lawful, ritually proper manner (vidhivat), and society’s leaders—kings, kṣatriyas, and learned Brāhmaṇas—support a legitimate royal enterprise through disciplined cooperation.
During the Aśvamedha-related events, Arjuna, the younger brother of Yudhiṣṭhira, proceeds on his mission accompanied by many kṣatriyas and rulers, and also by numerous Veda-versed Brāhmaṇas, all following him in accordance with Yudhiṣṭhira’s directive.