Shloka 24
Draupadī Meets Kṛṣṇa’s Queens — Narratives of the Lord’s Marriages and the Queens’ Bhakti
मत्स्याभासं जले वीक्ष्य ज्ञात्वा च तदवस्थितिम् । पार्थो यत्तोऽसृजद् बाणं नाच्छिनत् पस्पृशे परम् ॥ २४ ॥
matsyābhāsaṁ jale vīkṣya jñātvā ca tad-avasthitim pārtho yatto ’sṛjad bāṇaṁ nācchinat paspṛśe param
अर्जुनो जले मत्स्यस्य प्रतिबिम्बं निरीक्ष्य तस्य स्थितिं निश्चित्य सावधानं बाणं मुमोच; स तु लक्ष्यं न विव्याध, केवलं स्पृष्ट्वा परं गतः।
According to the explanation of Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī, Arjuna was more expert a marksman than the other kings, but his physical strength was not adequate to the task of shooting it with perfect accuracy.
FAQs
It describes Arjuna’s one-pointed focus: he recognizes the fish seen in water is only a reflection and successfully hits the real target beyond it.
To highlight disciplined concentration and correct discernment—seeing through appearances and acting with precision, a hallmark of heroic dharma.
Treat distractions as reflections and aim for the real goal—steady attention on sādhana (japa, hearing, and service) rather than chasing superficial impressions.