Shloka 13
वज्रदत्तेन सह अर्जुनयुद्धम्
Arjuna’s engagement with Vajradatta during the Aśvamedha circuit
वज्रदत्तस्तत: क्रुद्धो मुमोचाशु धनंजये । तोमरानग्निसंकाशान् शलभानिव वेगितान्
vajradattas tataḥ kruddho mumocāśu dhanaṃjaye | tomarān agnisaṃkāśān śalabhān iva vegitān ||
तब वज्रदत्त क्रुद्ध होकर धनंजय पर शीघ्र ही अग्नि-सदृश दीप्तिमान तोमर छोड़ने लगा, जो वेग से उड़ते पतंगों के समान प्रतीत होते थे।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger (krodha) can intensify violence and precipitate reckless aggression; in the dharmic frame of epic warfare, the ideal warrior is tested by maintaining steadiness and discernment even when confronted with fiery, fear-inducing attacks.
Vajradatta, enraged, launches a rapid volley of blazing javelins at Arjuna (Dhanaṃjaya). Their speed and fiery appearance are compared to moths darting toward flame, emphasizing the ferocity and momentum of the assault.