Shloka 22
Arjuna’s Concentrated Archery and the Rout of the Kaurava Mahārathas
Gāṇḍīva-Nirghoṣa Episode
तत:ः कनकपवग्रिर्वीर: संनतपर्वभि: । त्वरन् गाण्डीवनिर्मुक्तैरर्जुनस्तस्य वाजिन:
tataḥ kanakapavagrir vīraḥ sannatapārva-bhiḥ | tvaran gāṇḍīva-nirmuktair arjunas tasya vājinaḥ ||
Kemudian Arjuna sang pahlawan, si pemanah dwitangan, dengan sigap melepaskan dari Gāṇḍīva empat anak panah unggul—berujung emas dan bersendi rapat, sedikit melengkung. Dengan keempatnya ia menembus empat kuda Kṛpācārya. Tersambar daya panah yang menyala—bagai ular yang hangus oleh api racun—kuda-kuda itu mendadak melonjak, dan Kṛpa terlempar jatuh dari tempatnya.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined, purposeful action in conflict: Arjuna’s skill is shown through precise targeting that neutralizes an opponent’s capacity to fight (the chariot team) rather than uncontrolled aggression. It reflects kṣatriya-dharma as regulated force guided by intent and mastery.
Arjuna rapidly shoots four excellent, golden-tipped arrows from the Gāṇḍīva and pierces Kṛpācārya’s four horses. The horses recoil violently, and Kṛpa is jolted from his position, indicating a sudden tactical advantage for Arjuna.