Shloka 27
भीष्मस्य मण्डलव्यूहः — Bhīṣma’s Maṇḍala Battle-Formation and the Opening Engagements
रथं रथेन समरे पीडयित्वा महाबलौ
rathaṃ rathena samare pīḍayitvā mahābalau |
Dijo Sañjaya: En lo más recio de la batalla, los dos guerreros de gran fuerza oprimieron carro contra carro, cada cual buscando doblegar al otro. En aquel fiero intercambio destrozaron los carros y los caballos del adversario; y cuando ambos quedaron sin carro, aquellos grandes combatientes se lanzaron hacia delante y se encararon cara a cara, sin ceder.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of steadfastness in conflict: even when external supports (chariot, horses) are destroyed, the warriors persist. Ethically, it underscores how rivalry and determination can intensify violence, shifting the contest from weapons and vehicles to direct personal confrontation.
Sañjaya reports that two powerful fighters clash by driving their chariots against each other, damaging and destroying each other’s chariots and horses. Once both become chariotless, they continue the fight on foot, leaping and closing in for direct combat.