Shloka 63
अश्वमेधीयस्य हयस्य दक्षिणापश्चिमगमनम् — The Sacrificial Horse’s Southern and Western Circuit
न्यवर्तन्त महाराज शरवर्षार्जिता भृशम् | महाराज! अर्जुनकी मार खाकर उनके बाणोंकी वर्षसे पीड़ित हुए गान्धार सैनिक उस घोड़ेको छोड़कर बड़े वेगसे पीछे लौट गये
nyavartanta mahārāja śaravarṣārjitā bhṛśam |
Vaiśampāyana disse: Ó rei, gravemente atingidos e subjugados pela feroz chuva de flechas, os soldados de Gāndhāra—após sofrerem os golpes de Arjuna—abandonaram o cavalo do sacrifício e recuaram rapidamente. A cena ressalta como a força empregada a serviço de um rito votivo constrange até guerreiros orgulhosos a bater em retirada quando sua agressão é contida.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in action: when a royal vow and sacrificial rite (Aśvamedha) is challenged, the appointed protector uses measured martial force to uphold the rite; those who act aggressively and are decisively checked must withdraw, illustrating the ethical boundary between rightful defense and futile violence.
Arjuna confronts the Gāndhāra forces who have seized or obstructed the Aśvamedha horse. Under his intense arrow-shower, they are badly hurt, abandon the horse, and retreat rapidly.