Shloka 23
अर्जुनस्य रथाश्वमोचनं कृष्णस्याश्वसेवा च
Arjuna’s Horses Freed; Krishna’s Equine Service
निमित्ते दूरपातित्वे लघुत्वे दृढवेधने । मम ब्रवीतु भगवान् विशेष फाल्गुनस्थ च,“दूरतक बाण चलानेमें, लक्ष्य वेधनेमें, हाथकी फुर्तीमें तथा अचूक निशाना मारनेमें मुझमें और अर्जुनमें कितना अन्तर है, यह पूज्य गुरुदेव मुझे बतावें
nimitte dūrapātitve laghutve dṛḍhavedhane | mama bravītu bhagavān viśeṣaṃ phālgunastha ca ||
Sanjaya said: “In matters of long-range shooting, lightness and speed of hand, and firm, unfailing marksmanship, let the revered master tell me clearly what distinction there is between me and Arjuna.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the classical kṣatriya valuation of measurable competence—range, speed, and accuracy—while also showing deference to authoritative judgment (the ‘bhagavān’ as teacher). Skill is treated as a disciplined, assessable virtue within the ethics of warfare.
Sanjaya frames a direct comparison between himself and Arjuna, asking the revered master to state the precise difference in their archery abilities—especially long-distance shooting, quickness of hand, and unerring aim—thereby underscoring Arjuna’s renowned superiority in martial prowess.