Mahabharata 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 ||
ତାପରେ ଧନୁଷମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଶ୍ରେଷ୍ଠ ଶାର୍ଙ୍ଗ ମୋ ହାତରୁ ଛୁଟି ପଡ଼ିଗଲା। କୌନ୍ତେୟ, ଶାଲ୍ୱର ମାୟାରେ ମୋହିତ ହୋଇ ମୁଁ ରଥର ପଛ ଭାଗରେ ନିର୍ବାକ ହୋଇ ବସିପଡ଼ିଲି।
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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