Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 21
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
ते शरा द्विट्शरीरेषु यथैव न ससज्जिरे । द्विडनीकेषु बीभत्सोर्न ससज्जे रथस्तदा
te śarā dviṭ-śarīreṣu yathaiva na sasañjire | dviḍ-anīkeṣu bībhatsor na sasañje rathas tadā ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: Anak-anak panah itu tidak melekat pada tubuh musuh; demikian juga pada saat itu, kereta perang Bībhatsu (Arjuna) tidak tersangkut di tengah formasi-formasi tentera lawan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined martial excellence: a warrior’s effectiveness is shown not merely by striking, but by maintaining unhindered control—arrows and chariot alike do not get ‘caught’ when skill, focus, and rightful purpose govern action.
Vaiśampāyana describes the intensity of combat involving Arjuna (Bībhatsu): the enemy’s arrows fail to lodge effectively, and Arjuna’s chariot moves through hostile formations without being obstructed, emphasizing his dominance on the battlefield.