Shloka 24
रथचर्यास्त्रिमायाभिमोहयित्वा परंतप: । बिभेद शतथा राजन् शरीराणि महीक्षिताम्,महाराज! शत्रुओंको संताप देनेवाले अभिमन्युने रथचर्या तथा अस्त्रोंकी मायासे मोहित करके राजाओंके शरीरोंके सौ-सौ टुकड़े कर दिये
rathacaryāstrimāyābhimohayitvā parantapaḥ | bibheda śatathā rājan śarīrāṇi mahīkṣitām ||
Sañjaya said: O King, the foe-scorching Abhimanyu, first bewildering the opposing rulers by the illusory stratagems of chariot-manoeuvre and weapon-craft, then shattered their bodies into hundreds of pieces. The verse underscores how, in the frenzy of righteous war, mastery of skill and tactical deception can swiftly turn into overwhelming destruction, intensifying the moral weight of violence even when performed by a celebrated hero.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the power of disciplined skill and tactical ingenuity (rathacaryā and astra-māyā) in war, while implicitly reminding the listener that such prowess, though admired in kṣatriya-dharma, results in severe bodily destruction—inviting reflection on the ethical gravity of violence even in a sanctioned battle.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Abhimanyu, using deceptive chariot movements and weapon-illusions, confounds the enemy kings and then cuts them down, splitting their bodies into hundreds of pieces.