Shloka 24
Adhyāya 65: Dawn Assembly, Makara–Śyena Vyūhas, and Commander Engagements
अन्योन्यस्पर्धया राजन् ज्ञातय: सड्भता मिथ: । महास्त्राणि विमुञज्चन्त: समापेतुरमर्षिण:
sañjaya uvāca | anyonyaspardhayā rājan jñātayaḥ saṅgatā mithāḥ | mahāstrāṇi vimuñcantaḥ samāpetur amarṣiṇaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: O King, though they were kinsmen gathered together, driven by rivalry they closed upon one another. Inflamed with resentment, they hurled mighty weapons, pressing forward and countering each assault in the fury of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tragedy of war: even close relatives, when seized by rivalry and resentment, lose restraint and unleash destructive power. It implicitly warns that unchecked competitive pride and anger can override kinship and dharma.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the opposing forces—who are actually kinsmen—have met in battle and are attacking and counterattacking, discharging powerful weapons in a state of fierce intolerance and rage.