Shloka 8
Traigarta Attempt to Seize the Aśvamedha Horse; Arjuna’s Restraint and Tactical Victory
विक्षिपन् गाण्डिवं राजन् बद्धगोधाडगुलित्रवान् । तमश्वं पृथिवीपाल मुदा युक्त: ससार च,पृथिवीपाल! राजन! अर्जुनने अपने हाथोंमें गोधाके चमड़ेके बने दस्ताने पहन रखे थे। वे गाण्डीव धनुषकी टंकार करते हुए बड़ी प्रसन्नताके साथ अश्वके पीछे-पीछे जा रहे थे
vaishampāyana uvāca | vikṣipan gāṇḍīvaṁ rājan baddha-godhā-ḍagulitravān | tam aśvaṁ pṛthivīpāla mudā yuktaḥ sasāra ca ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O king, wearing gloves (arm-guards) fastened with iguana-hide, Arjuna twanged the Gāṇḍīva. Joyfully intent on his charge, the protector of the earth followed after that sacrificial horse.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma expressed through disciplined readiness and cheerful commitment: Arjuna safeguards the Aśvamedha horse, supporting a rite that symbolizes lawful sovereignty and social order rather than personal aggression.
As the Aśvamedha horse roams, Arjuna—equipped with protective archery gear and sounding the Gāṇḍīva—sets out in high spirits to follow and protect the horse, ready to meet any challengers who contest the rite.