Shloka 2
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ६२: वासुदेवमहात्म्यप्रशंसा (देव–ब्रह्मसंवादः)
अथीैनं रथवृन्देन कोष्ठकीकृत्य भारत । शरै: सुबहुसाहस्रै: समन्तादभ्यवारयन्,भरतनन्दन! उन राजाओंने रथसमूहद्वारा अर्जुनको सब ओरसे वेष्टित करके उनके ऊपर अनेक सहस्र बाणोंकी वर्षा आस्मभ की
athaivainaṁ rathavṛndena koṣṭhakīkṛtya bhārata | śaraiḥ subahusahasraiḥ samantād abhyavārayan ||
Sañjaya said: Then, O Bhārata, surrounding Arjuna with a massed formation of chariots as though hemming him into an enclosure, those kings checked his movement from every side, showering him with many thousands of arrows.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and psychological dimension of kṣatriya warfare: a warrior’s steadiness is tested when opponents use coordinated tactics and overwhelming force. It points to resilience and composure under pressure rather than panic when surrounded.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna being encircled by a formation of chariots; the opposing kings hem him in from all directions and unleash a dense volley of thousands of arrows to restrain and overpower him.