Shloka 28
भीष्मस्य मण्डलव्यूहः — Bhīṣma’s Maṇḍala Battle-Formation and the Opening Engagements
तावन्योन्यं हि समरे निहत्य रथवाजिन: । विरथावभिवल्गन्तौ समेयातां महारथौ
tāv anyonyaṃ hi samare nihatya rathavājinaḥ | virathāv abhivalgantau sameyātāṃ mahārathau ||
संजय बोले—समर में वे दोनों महारथी एक-दूसरे के रथ और घोड़े मार गिराकर, रथहीन होकर भी उछलते-कूदते फिर पास आ भिड़े।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya resolve: even when the external supports of warfare (chariot and horses) are destroyed, the fighters do not abandon the contest. Ethically, it underscores steadfastness and courage in one’s chosen duty, while also reminding the reader of war’s harsh destructiveness.
Sañjaya describes a duel where two elite warriors destroy each other’s chariots and horses. Now chariotless (viratha), they leap forward and re-engage on foot, continuing the fight at close quarters.