Shloka 63
अश्वमेधीयस्य हयस्य दक्षिणापश्चिमगमनम् — The Sacrificial Horse’s Southern and Western Circuit
न्यवर्तन्त महाराज शरवर्षार्जिता भृशम् | महाराज! अर्जुनकी मार खाकर उनके बाणोंकी वर्षसे पीड़ित हुए गान्धार सैनिक उस घोड़ेको छोड़कर बड़े वेगसे पीछे लौट गये
nyavartanta mahārāja śaravarṣārjitā bhṛśam |
Vaiśampāyana said: O King, grievously struck and overwhelmed by the fierce shower of arrows, the Gāndhāra soldiers—having suffered Arjuna’s blows—abandoned the sacrificial horse and retreated swiftly. The scene underscores how force used in the service of a vowed rite compels even proud warriors to withdraw when their aggression is checked.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in action: when a royal vow and sacrificial rite (Aśvamedha) is challenged, the appointed protector uses measured martial force to uphold the rite; those who act aggressively and are decisively checked must withdraw, illustrating the ethical boundary between rightful defense and futile violence.
Arjuna confronts the Gāndhāra forces who have seized or obstructed the Aśvamedha horse. Under his intense arrow-shower, they are badly hurt, abandon the horse, and retreat rapidly.