Traigarta Attempt to Seize the Aśvamedha Horse; Arjuna’s Restraint and Tactical Victory
तथैवारस्यर्त्विज: सर्वे तुल्यवेषा विशाम्पते । बभूवुरर्जुनश्वापि प्रदीप्त इव पावक:,प्रजानाथ! उनके समस्त ऋत्विज् भी उन्हींके समान वेश-भूषा धारण किये सुशोभित होते थे। अर्जुन भी प्रज्वलित अग्निके समान दीप्तिमान् हो रहे थे
tathaivārasyartvijaḥ sarve tulyaveṣā viśāmpate | babhūvur arjunaś cāpi pradīpta iva pāvakaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “In the same manner, all the officiating priests of the king appeared, wearing attire identical to his. Arjuna too shone forth, blazing like a kindled fire.” The scene underscores the ordered dignity of royal rite: harmony in outward form reflects disciplined participation in dharma, while Arjuna’s radiance signals heroic excellence placed in service of a lawful sacrifice rather than mere personal glory.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights dharmic order in a royal sacrifice: coordinated conduct and appearance among the officiants symbolizes disciplined participation in sacred duty, while Arjuna’s fiery radiance represents heroic power subordinated to righteous, communal purpose.
During the Aśvamedha-related proceedings, the king’s priests are described as splendid and uniformly dressed like the king, and Arjuna is portrayed as shining intensely, compared to a blazing fire.