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 ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Batid ang tunay na layon at bihasa sa lihim ng pagpapatakbo ng mga kabayo, ang prinsipe ng Matsya ay marunong na nagpatakbo ng karwahe upang lituhin ang mga Kuru; hindi nila matukoy kung saang dakilang mandirigma patutungo ang karwahe. Si Uttara, ang makapangyarihang anak ni Virāṭa, ay walang takot mula sa alinmang panig. Lumapit siya sa karwahe ni Kṛpa, umikot sa kanan bilang pag-ikot na may paggalang (pradakṣiṇā), at saka huminto sa harap niya, matatag na nakatindig.
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.