Shloka 6
Arjuna’s Concentrated Archery and the Rout of the Kaurava Mahārathas
Gāṇḍīva-Nirghoṣa Episode
कुरून् सम्मोहयामास मत्स्यो यानेन तत्त्ववित्
kurūn sammohayāmāsa matsyo yānena tattvavit | aśvasañcālanakā-rahasya-jñānena matsyanareśasya putro rathasya cālayā kurūn bhrāntim ānayat—te na jānīyuḥ rathaḥ kasya mahārathasya samīpaṃ gantum icchati | virāṭanandano mahābalī uttaro na kutracid bhayam apaśyat | sa kṛpācāryasya ratha-samīpaṃ gatvā rathena tasya pradakṣiṇāṃ cakāra | tataḥ purataḥ gatvā rathaṃ sthāpayitvā tiṣṭhāmāsa ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: Conhecendo a intenção verdadeira e versado no segredo de conduzir os cavalos, o príncipe de Matsya guiou o carro com tal perícia que confundiu os Kurus; eles não puderam discernir a qual grande guerreiro o carro pretendia dirigir-se. Uttara, o poderoso filho de Virāṭa, não temia de lado algum. Aproximou-se do carro de Kṛpa, circundou-o pela direita em pradakṣiṇā, e então parou bem à sua frente, firme e resoluto.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how skill and discernment can shape outcomes in conflict: tactical deception may be used to protect one’s aim, while courage is shown by approaching a formidable opponent without panic. It also reflects a code of conduct where even in battle, gestures like pradakṣiṇā can signal formal challenge and respect within kṣatriya norms.
The Matsya prince (Uttara) drives the chariot in a way that confuses the Kuru warriors about his intended target. He then moves close to Kṛpācārya’s chariot, circles it, and stops directly in front—positioning himself for a direct engagement.