Shloka 35
भीष्मस्य मण्डलव्यूहः — Bhīṣma’s Maṇḍala Battle-Formation and the Opening Engagements
वे सब-के-सब दुर्योधनकी आज्ञासे अर्जुनका संहार करनेके लिये आये थे। परंतु वे उस समय आगममें गिरे हुए पतंगोंकी भाँति उनके पास आते ही नष्ट हो गये ।।
tato matsyāḥ kekayāś ca dhanuḥvedaviśāradāḥ | parivavruḥ tadā pārthaṃ sahaputraṃ mahāratham ||
Sañjaya said: All of them had come at Duryodhana’s command to slay Arjuna; yet the moment they drew near, they perished—like moths falling into fire. Then the warriors of Matsya and Kekaya, masters of the science of archery, surrounded Arjuna, the great chariot-warrior, together with his son, and stood ready to fight the Kauravas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in warfare, dharma expresses itself through disciplined duty: capable allies protect their leader and uphold their pledged cause, showing that skill (dhanuḥ-veda) is ethically directed when used in loyal defense and righteous commitment.
Sanjaya reports that the Matsya and Kekaya fighters, renowned archers, close ranks around Arjuna along with his son, forming a protective formation and preparing to engage the Kaurava forces.