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 ||
तान् तोमरान् तथा छिन्नान् दृष्ट्वा भगदत्तजः । इषून् असक्तान् त्वरितः प्राहिणोत् पाण्डवं प्रति ॥
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.