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 berkata: Kedua kesatria termasyhur itu memperlihatkan segala ragam gerak di medan laga—berputar dan terhuyung, terlempar dan tersambar, melompat dan menyelinap ke samping, meluncur dan menerjang maju, menyambar turun dan menggelora naik. Dalam gambaran itu, kepahlawanan bukan semata tenaga, melainkan penguasaan yang terlatih di tengah kekacauan—di mana kemasyhuran diraih oleh keteguhan dan kemahiran di bawah tekanan perang.
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.