Shloka 17
अर्जुन–उलूपीसंवादः
Arjuna and Ulūpī: Explanation of Śānti and the Maṇipūra Resolution
सव्यसाची तु संक्रुद्धों विकृष्प बलवद् धनु: । हयांश्वकार निर्जीवान् सारथेश्व शिरोडहरत्
savyasācī tu saṁkruddho vikṛṣya balavad dhanuḥ | hayāṁś cākār nirjīvān sārathes tu śiro 'harat ||
सव्यसाची तु संक्रुद्धो विकृष्य बलवद् धनुः । हयान् श्वकार निर्जीवान् सारथेः शिर उदाहरत् ॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral danger of krodha (anger): even when a warrior’s duty permits force in battle, anger can intensify violence and narrow discernment. It invites reflection on self-control as an ethical safeguard within kṣatriya-dharma.
Arjuna, provoked and furious, draws his bow powerfully and disables the enemy chariot by killing its horses; he then beheads the charioteer, decisively neutralizing the opponent’s mobility and command.