Mahabharata — Drona Parva, Shloka 15
द्रोणपर्व — पञ्चदशोऽध्यायः (Droṇa Parva, Chapter 15): युधिष्ठिर-रक्षा तथा अर्जुनस्य शरवृष्टिः
तौ वृषाविव नर्दन्तौ मण्डलानि विचेरतु: । आवर्तितगदाशूज्रावुभौ शल्यवृकोदरौ,इति श्रीमहाभारते द्रोणपर्वणि द्रोणाभिषेकपर्वणि शल्यापयाने पठचदशो<ध्याय: ।।
tau vṛṣāv iva nardantau maṇḍalāni viceratuḥ | āvartita-gadā-śūjrāv ubhau śalya-vṛkodarau ||
Dijo Sañjaya: «Rugiendo como dos toros poderosos, Śalya y Vṛkodara giraban en círculos el uno frente al otro. Ambos eran veloces y temibles; sus mazas, en remolino, buscaban una abertura para herir.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the disciplined, rule-bound nature of warrior combat: strength is paired with controlled movement (circling, seeking openings) rather than reckless striking. It reflects kṣatriya-dharma—courage and skill under pressure—while implying that power must be governed by technique and restraint.
Sañjaya describes Śalya and Bhīma facing each other in a mace duel. They roar like bulls and circle in combat formation, both whirling their maces, preparing to strike and counterstrike.