Shloka 15
Adhyāya 65: Dawn Assembly, Makara–Śyena Vyūhas, and Commander Engagements
ततस्तु तावका राजन् परीप्सन्तोडर््जुनिं रणे । मद्रराजरथं तूर्ण परिवार्यावतस्थिरे,राजन्! तब आपके पुत्र रणभूमिमें अभिमन्युको बन्दी बनानेकी इच्छासे तुरंत वहाँ आये और मद्रराज शल्यके रथको चारों ओरसे घेरकर युद्धके लिये खड़े हो गये
tatastu tāvakā rājan parīpsanto 'rjunaṁ raṇe | madrarājarathaṁ tūrṇaṁ parivāryāvatasthire rājan ||
Sañjaya said: Then, O King, your warriors—seeking to seize Arjuna in the battle—swiftly surrounded the chariot of the Madra king (Śalya) and took their stand, ready for combat. The scene underscores the strategic intent to capture a principal hero rather than merely strike him down, revealing how war-policy and expediency can press against the ideals of open, righteous fighting.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how battlefield strategy can shift from straightforward combat to capture and containment of key figures. It invites reflection on dharma in war: whether seeking to seize a principal warrior aligns with righteous conduct or represents expedient policy that strains ethical ideals.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Kaurava troops, intent on capturing Arjuna, quickly encircle the chariot of Śalya, the Madra king, and stand ready to fight—indicating a coordinated maneuver around a prominent chariot position in the battle.