Shloka 36
Nakula–Śakuni Duel and the Night Battle; Śikhaṇḍin–Kṛpa Engagement (नकुल-शकुनियुद्धं तथा रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
भ्रान्तमुद्भ्रान्तमाविद्धमाप्लुतं विप्लुतं सृतम् । सम्पातं समुदीर्ण च दर्शयन्तौ यशस्विनौ
bhrāntam udbhrāntam āviddham āplutaṁ viplutaṁ sṛtam | sampātaṁ samudīrṇaṁ ca darśayantau yaśasvinau ||
Sañjaya dit : Ces deux guerriers illustres déployèrent au combat toutes les manières de se mouvoir—tournoyant et vacillant, projetés puis frappés, bondissant et s’écartant d’un saut, glissant et se ruant en avant, fondant et se redressant—rendant manifeste l’élan déroutant de la mêlée. Ici, la prouesse n’est pas seulement force, mais maîtrise disciplinée au cœur du chaos ; la renommée s’acquiert par la fermeté et l’art sous la pression de la guerre.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that true martial excellence is disciplined control and adaptability amid turmoil—skillful movement, presence of mind, and steadiness under pressure are what sustain honor and reputation in the ethical strain of war.
Sañjaya describes two famed fighters (unnamed in this single verse) exhibiting rapid, varied battlefield maneuvers—whirling, leaping, darting, swooping, and surging—conveying the intensity and technical virtuosity of their combat.