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 ||
Sañjaya sprach: O König, von Pārtha (Arjuna) mit Pfeilen getroffen, gerieten die Männer—mitsamt Wagen und Elefanten—in Verwirrung. Sie taumelten und irrten auseinander; sie schrien, stürzten zu Boden, waren blutüberströmt und gingen zugrunde. So wurde das Schlachtfeld unter der Wucht von Arjunas Geschossen zum Bild von Panik und Zusammenbruch.
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.