Shloka 416
भीष्मधनंजयद्वैरथम्
Bhīṣma–Dhanaṃjaya Duel and the Opening Clash
स्थिता युद्धाय महते ततो युद्धमवर्तत । इसी प्रकार समस्त पाण्डव भी अर्जुनको सब ओरसे घेरकर महायुद्धके लिये वहाँ डटे हुए थे, अतः उनमें भारी युद्ध छिड़ गया
sthitā yuddhāya mahate tato yuddham avartata |
Sañjaya said: “Arrayed and steadfast for a great battle, the clash then began.” In the same manner, the Pāṇḍavas too stood firm there for the mighty fight, surrounding Arjuna on all sides; thus a fierce engagement broke out among them.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores readiness and steadfastness in the face of unavoidable duty: once both sides are firmly arrayed, conflict becomes an enacted consequence of chosen commitments, highlighting the gravity of kṣatriya responsibility and the ethical weight of war.
Sañjaya reports that the forces have taken their positions for a major engagement; the Pāṇḍavas stand prepared and, as described in the accompanying sense, are positioned around Arjuna, after which intense fighting breaks out.