Shloka 25
Traigarta Attempt to Seize the Aśvamedha Horse; Arjuna’s Restraint and Tactical Victory
किराता यवना राजन् बहवो5सिथनुर्धरा: । म्लेच्छाश्षान्ये बहुविधा: पूर्व ये निकृता रणे
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: kirātā yavanā rājan bahavo 'sthi-dhanur-dharāḥ | mlecchāś cānye bahuvidhāḥ pūrva ye nikṛtā raṇe ||
毗舍波耶那说道：“大王，许多基罗多与夜婆那——执弓持兵之战士——以及其他种种弥勒叉部族，先前曾在战场上败北，如今都前来与阿周那对阵。”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the continuing consequences of war: even after a decisive victory, hostility and resistance can re-emerge. It also reflects the epic’s political-ethical realism—kings must remain vigilant, and past enmities may resurface when power is asserted (as in the Ashvamedha context).
Vaiśampāyana reports to the king that many groups—Kirātas, Yavanas, and other mlecchas—previously defeated in earlier fighting, assemble again and come to face Arjuna, setting the stage for renewed confrontation during the Ashvamedhika events.