Shloka 12
Traigarta Attempt to Seize the Aśvamedha Horse; Arjuna’s Restraint and Tactical Victory
एष गच्छति कौन्तेय तुरगश्चैव दीप्तिमान् यमन्वेति महाबाहु: संस्पृशन् धनुरुत्तमम्
eṣa gacchati kaunteya turagaś caiva dīptimān yam anveti mahābāhuḥ saṃspṛśan dhanur uttamam
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。「見よ、クンティーの子アルジュナが行く。見よ、光り輝く供犠の馬が行く。その後に、強き腕のアルジュナが、みずからの最上の弓に手を添えて従う。」人々はこのように語り、儀礼が公に示されていることと、ユディシュティラのダルマに仕えるためのアルジュナの警護の厳しさとを言い表した。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in action: a royal rite (Aśvamedha) requires disciplined protection. Arjuna’s hand on the bow symbolizes restrained power—readiness to defend the ritual order without needless aggression.
As the Aśvamedha horse roams, people point out the procession: the radiant horse goes ahead and Arjuna, Kuntī’s son, follows closely, prepared with his bow to meet any challenge to the sacrifice’s authority.