Shloka 10
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
छिन्नत्रिवेणुसंघातान् हताश्चान् पार्ष्णिसारथीन् | विस्नस्तहस्ततूणीरान् विचक्ररथकेतनान्
sañjaya uvāca |
chinna-triveṇu-saṅghātān hatāś cān pārṣṇi-sārathīn |
visnasta-hasta-tūṇīrān vicakra-ratha-ketanān |
Sañjaya said: Arjuna, at that time, reduced the enemy chariots to ruin with his arrows—cutting down their clustered triveṇu-poles, slaying their horses and the chariot-guards and drivers, and leaving the warriors’ quivers slipping from their hands. Their chariots were rendered helpless: wheels shattered and banners brought down.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how quickly power and security collapse in war: mobility (wheels, horses), protection (guards), and prestige (banners) can be stripped away in moments. Ethically, it points to the harsh reality of kṣatriya-duty—skill used decisively—while also implying the fragility of worldly supports amid conflict.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna’s archery devastating the opposing side: he cuts key chariot structures, kills horses and chariot personnel, dislodges quivers from warriors’ hands, and destroys chariot wheels and standards, leaving enemy chariots disabled and their formations broken.