Shloka 13
वज्रदत्तेन सह अर्जुनयुद्धम्
Arjuna’s engagement with Vajradatta during the Aśvamedha circuit
वज्रदत्तस्तत: क्रुद्धो मुमोचाशु धनंजये । तोमरानग्निसंकाशान् शलभानिव वेगितान्,उस समय वज्रदत्तने कुपित होकर तुरंत ही अर्जुनपर अग्निके समान प्रज्वलित तोमर चलाये, जो वेगसे उड़नेवाले पतंगोंके समान जान पड़ते थे
vajradattas tataḥ kruddho mumocāśu dhanaṃjaye | tomarān agnisaṃkāśān śalabhān iva vegitān ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then Vajradatta, inflamed with anger, swiftly hurled at Arjuna blazing javelins, fire-like in their radiance, darting through the air like fast-flying moths. The scene underscores how wrath in battle drives men to unleash deadly force, testing the warrior’s steadiness and restraint amid violence.
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.