Shloka 5
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
वासितार्थे युयुत्सन्तो वृषभा वृषभं यथा । निपतन्त्यर्जुनं शूराःशतशो5थ सहस्रश:
vāsitārthe yuyutsanto vṛṣabhā vṛṣabhaṃ yathā | nipatanty arjunaṃ śūrāḥ śataśo 'tha sahasraśaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Driven by desire and eager to fight, the warriors rushed upon Arjuna—hundreds and then thousands—just as bulls, stirred by lust, charge at a single bull.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how desire and competitive aggression can drive masses into violence; it implicitly contrasts impulsive, craving-driven action with disciplined, dharma-guided conduct expected in war.
Sañjaya reports that many brave fighters, in great numbers, surge together to attack Arjuna, using the vivid comparison of bulls charging a single bull when stirred by lust.