Shloka 12
Adhyāya 112: Bhīṣma-prati Arjunasya Pravṛttiḥ
Arjuna’s Forward Drive Toward Bhīṣma
अथोपायान्महाराज सव्यसाची धनंजय: । त्रासयन् रथिन: सर्वान् बीभत्सुरपराजित:
athopāyān mahārāja savyasācī dhanañjayaḥ | trāsayan rathinaḥ sarvān bībhatsur aparājitaḥ ||
ਫਿਰ, ਮਹਾਰਾਜ! ਦੋਹਾਂ ਹੱਥਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਮਾਨ ਨਿਪੁੰਨ ਸਵ੍ਯਸਾਚੀ ਧਨੰਜਯ ਅਰਜੁਨ—ਜੋ ਯੁੱਧ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਪਰਾਜਿਤ ਸੀ—ਸਾਰੇ ਰਥੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਭੈਭੀਤ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਨੇੜੇ ਆ ਪਹੁੰਚਿਆ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of resolute action: Arjuna advances without being overcome, embodying disciplined courage and mastery (savyasācī). Ethically, it frames battlefield prowess as a function of steadfastness in one’s ordained duty rather than mere aggression.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna moves forward toward the opposing chariot-warriors. His approach itself becomes a psychological force—he terrifies the rathins—indicating that Arjuna is pressing the battle and challenging the enemy line.