Shloka 2
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
पार्थबाणहता राजन् नराश्चरथकुज्जरा: । विचेलुर्ब भ्रमुर्नेशु: पेतुर्मम्लुश्न भारत,भरतवंशी नरेश! अर्जुनके बाणोंसे आहत हो हाथी, घोड़े, रथ और पैदल मनुष्य विचलित, भ्रान्त, पतित, मलिन तथा नष्ट होने लगे
sañjaya uvāca |
pārthabāṇahatā rājan narāś ca rathakuñjarāḥ |
vicelur bhramur neśuḥ petur mamluśna bhārata ||
قال سَنْجَايَا: أيها الملك، لما أصابت سهامُ بارثا (أرجونا) الرجالَ—ومعهم المركباتُ والفيلة—اضطربوا واختلطت صفوفهم. تمايلوا وتفرّقوا في فوضى؛ صرخوا، وسقطوا على الأرض، وتلطخوا بالدماء وهلكوا. وهكذا، تحت وطأة نبال أرجونا، صار ميدان القتال مشهدَ ذعرٍ وانهيار.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the fragility of martial formations and human pride: in war, even mighty units—men, chariots, elephants—can be rapidly undone by superior skill and force. Ethically, it highlights the grim cost of conflict and the swift reversal of fortune that accompanies adharma-driven warfare.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna’s arrows are cutting through the Kaurava forces. Warriors and major war-units (chariots and elephants) become shaken and confused, cry out, fall, and are left bloodied and destroyed, indicating a surge of Arjuna’s dominance in the battle.