Shloka 15
वज्रदत्तेन सह अर्जुनयुद्धम्
Arjuna’s engagement with Vajradatta during the Aśvamedha circuit
स तान् दृष्टवा तथा छिज्नांस्तोमरान् भगदत्तज: । इषूनसक्तांस्त्वरित: प्राहिणोत् पाण्डवं प्रति
sa tān dṛṣṭvā tathā chinnāṃs tomarān bhagadattajaḥ | iṣūn asaktāṃs tvaritaḥ prāhiṇot pāṇḍavaṃ prati ||
Disse Vaiśampāyana: Ao ver aqueles dardos despedaçados, o filho de Bhagadatta apressou-se em lançar contra Arjuna, o Pāṇḍava, uma saraivada ininterrupta de flechas—apertando a luta com força implacável, em vez de ceder após ver sua arma quebrada.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a kṣatriya battle-context, the verse highlights steadfastness and tactical adaptability: when one weapon is neutralized, the warrior immediately shifts to another means rather than collapsing into despair—an ethic of resolve and presence of mind under pressure.
After Arjuna has cut the incoming tomara-javelins into pieces, Bhagadatta’s son responds quickly by launching a continuous stream of arrows at Arjuna, escalating the exchange of missiles.