Shloka 63
अध्याय १४८ — कर्णप्रभावः, धृष्टद्युम्नस्य विरथता, तथा घटोत्कच-आह्वानम्
Chapter 148: Karṇa’s Pressure, Dhṛṣṭadyumna Unhorsed, and the Summoning of Ghaṭotkaca
एताननिर्जित्य रणे षड् रथान् पुरुषर्षभ । न शक््य: सैन्धवो हन्तुं यतो निर्व्याजमर्जुन,“नरश्रेष्ठ अर्जुन! रणभूमिमें इन छः: महारथियोंको परास्त किये बिना सिंधुराजको बिना मायाके जीता नहीं जा सकता है
etān anirjitya raṇe ṣaḍ-rathān puruṣarṣabha | na śakyaḥ saindhavo hantuṃ yato nirvyājam arjuna ||
Sañjaya said: “O bull among men, unless these six chariot-warriors are first overcome in battle, the king of Sindhu cannot be slain—for Arjuna’s path to him is barred by their unfeigned, direct resistance.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that righteous aims in war still demand disciplined effort and the removal of immediate obstacles: one cannot reach a principal target (Jayadratha) without first confronting the defenders who stand openly in the way. It highlights strategic realism and perseverance rather than reliance on deception.
Sañjaya reports that Jayadratha is shielded by six powerful chariot-warriors. Therefore, Arjuna cannot directly kill Jayadratha unless he first defeats these six defenders who block access to him on the battlefield.