Shloka 22
Arjuna’s Concentrated Archery and the Rout of the Kaurava Mahārathas
Gāṇḍīva-Nirghoṣa Episode
तत:ः कनकपवग्रिर्वीर: संनतपर्वभि: । त्वरन् गाण्डीवनिर्मुक्तैरर्जुनस्तस्य वाजिन:
tataḥ kanakapavagrir vīraḥ sannatapārva-bhiḥ | tvaran gāṇḍīva-nirmuktair arjunas tasya vājinaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Pagkaraan, ang bayaning si Arjuna, na kumilos nang may mabilis na pasya, ay nagpakawala mula sa Gāṇḍīva ng apat na palasong may gintong dulo, maayos ang mga dugtungan at bahagyang nakabaluktot. Sa mga matutulis at piling palasong iyon, tinuhog niya ang apat na kabayo ni Kṛpācārya. Tinamaan ng naglalagablab na bagsik ng mga palaso—gaya ng mga ahas na tinutupok ng lasong-apoy—biglang tumalunton ang mga kabayo, at si Kṛpa ay naihagis mula sa kanyang kinalalagyan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined, purposeful action in conflict: Arjuna’s skill is shown through precise targeting that neutralizes an opponent’s capacity to fight (the chariot team) rather than uncontrolled aggression. It reflects kṣatriya-dharma as regulated force guided by intent and mastery.
Arjuna rapidly shoots four excellent, golden-tipped arrows from the Gāṇḍīva and pierces Kṛpācārya’s four horses. The horses recoil violently, and Kṛpa is jolted from his position, indicating a sudden tactical advantage for Arjuna.