Shloka 21
शल्यपरिघातः (Śalya Under Encirclement) — Mahābhārata, Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 12
पोथयन्तौ तदान्योन्यं मण्डलानि विचेरतु: । क्रियाविशेषं कृतिनौ दर्शयामासतुस्तदा,वे दोनों युद्धकलाके विद्वान् वीर, एक-दूसरेको कुचलते हुए मण्डलाकार विचरते और अपना-अपना विशेष कार्य-कौशल प्रदर्शित करते थे
pothayantau tadānyonyaṃ maṇḍalāni viceratuḥ | kriyāviśeṣaṃ kṛtinau darśayāmāsatuḥ tadā ||
Saat itu kedua kesatria yang mahir dalam seni perang saling menekan dan bergerak berputar membentuk lingkaran, masing-masing mempertunjukkan kepiawaian khasnya dalam laga.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that technical excellence (kriyāviśeṣa, kṛtinau) is morally neutral: when directed by the purposes of war, it becomes a force that sharpens conflict. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical horizon, prowess must be governed by dharma—otherwise skill merely perfects harm.
Sañjaya describes two expert fighters engaged in a close duel. They circle one another in maṇḍala-like movements—standard tactical footwork/chariot manoeuvring—while each demonstrates distinctive combat techniques, pressing and counter-pressing in an intense exchange.