Shloka 9
Traigarta Attempt to Seize the Aśvamedha Horse; Arjuna’s Restraint and Tactical Victory
आकुमारं तदा राजन्नागमत् तत्पुरं विभो । द्रष्टकामं कुरुश्रेष्ठ प्रयास्यन्तं धनंजयम्
ā-kumāraṁ tadā rājann āgamat tat-puraṁ vibho | draṣṭu-kāmaṁ kuru-śreṣṭhaṁ prayāsyantaṁ dhanañjayam, janamejaya! prabho! |
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは言った。「王よ、威光ある御方よ。その時、都はこぞって出迎えに出た。幼子から老いた者に至るまで、ハスティナープラの民は押し寄せ、旅立つクル族随一のダナンジャヤ・アルジュナを一目見ようとしたのである。」
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the bond between a dharmic leader/warrior and the people: public duty is not merely personal ambition but a responsibility carried with the community’s trust, affection, and moral expectations.
As Arjuna is about to depart on a journey, the entire population of Hastināpura—young and old—comes out in a great gathering to see him, showing their admiration and concern at his setting forth.