Shloka 5
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
वासितार्थे युयुत्सन्तो वृषभा वृषभं यथा । निपतन्त्यर्जुनं शूराःशतशो5थ सहस्रश:,जैसे मैथुनकी वासनावाली गायके लिये युद्धकी इच्छासे बहुतेरे साँड़ किसी एक साँड़पर टूट पड़ते हों, उसी प्रकार सैकड़ों और हजारों शूरवीर अर्जुनपर धावा बोलने लगे
vāsitārthe yuyutsanto vṛṣabhā vṛṣabhaṃ yathā | nipatanty arjunaṃ śūrāḥ śataśo 'tha sahasraśaḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Digerakkan oleh nafsu dan haus bertempur, para kesatria menyerbu Arjuna—ratusan, lalu ribuan—laksana banteng-banteng yang dikuasai birahi menerjang seekor banteng.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how desire and competitive aggression can drive masses into violence; it implicitly contrasts impulsive, craving-driven action with disciplined, dharma-guided conduct expected in war.
Sañjaya reports that many brave fighters, in great numbers, surge together to attack Arjuna, using the vivid comparison of bulls charging a single bull when stirred by lust.