Mahabharata (Gita Press) 3.21.25 - Vana Parva, Adhyaya 21, Shloka 25
Dvārakā’s Distress and the Saubha Engagement (द्वारकाव्यग्रता तथा सौभयुद्धम्)
ततः शार्ज्र धनुःश्रेष्ठ करात् प्रपतितं मम । मोहापन्नश्न कौन्तेय रथोपस्थ उपाविशम्
tataḥ śārṅgaṃ dhanuḥśreṣṭhaṃ karāt prapatitaṃ mama | mohāpannaś ca kaunteya rathopasthe upāviśam ||
すると、わたしの最上の弓シャールンガ（Śārṅga）が手からすべり落ちて地に落ちた。クンティの子よ、シャルヴァの幻力（マーヤー）により迷妄に沈み、わたしは気を失った者のように、戦車の後ろに黙して座り込んだ。
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how māyā (deceptive illusion) can overwhelm even powerful beings, causing loss of composure and capability. Ethically, it underscores the need for vigilance, steadiness of mind, and discernment when confronted with deception and psychological warfare.
Vāyudeva describes a moment of sudden disorientation: his famed bow Śārṅga slips from his hand, and, deluded by Śalva’s illusory power, he sits down at the back of the chariot, temporarily incapacitated and silent.
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