Shloka 11
अर्जुन–उलूपीसंवादः
Arjuna and Ulūpī: Explanation of Śānti and the Maṇipūra Resolution
ततो गाण्डीवभृच्छूरो गाण्डीवप्रहितै: शरै: । चकार मोघांस्तान् बाणान् सयत्नान् भरतर्षभ,भरतश्रेष्ठ। तब गाण्डीवधारी शूरवीर अर्जुनने गाण्डीव धनुषसे छोड़े गये बाणोंद्वारा मेघसन्धिके प्रयत्नपूर्वक चलाये गये उन सभी बाणोंको व्यर्थ कर दिया
tato gāṇḍīvabhṛcchūro gāṇḍīvaprahitaiḥ śaraiḥ | cakāra moghāṁs tān bāṇān sayatnān bharatarṣabha ||
Then the heroic bearer of Gāṇḍīva (Arjuna), using arrows discharged from the Gāṇḍīva bow, rendered futile all those arrows that had been launched with great effort—O bull among the Bharatas. In the narrative context, Arjuna’s disciplined mastery and righteous resolve neutralize an opponent’s force without panic, showing that true strength in battle lies in controlled skill aligned with duty rather than mere exertion.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that effectiveness in righteous action comes from disciplined mastery and composure. Mere strenuous effort (sayatna) is not enough; skill guided by duty can neutralize aggression without losing ethical restraint.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Arjuna, wielding the Gāṇḍīva, counters and nullifies the opponent’s arrows—despite their being shot with great effort—by striking them down or otherwise rendering them ineffective.