Shloka 29
भीष्मस्य मण्डलव्यूहः — Bhīṣma’s Maṇḍala Battle-Formation and the Opening Engagements
प्रगूहीतमहाखड्गौ तौ चर्मवरधारिणौ । शुशुभाते नरव्याप्रौ युद्धाय समवस्थितौ,वे दोनों पुरुषसिंह हाथमें बड़ी-बड़ी तलवारें और सुन्दर ढालें लिये युद्धके लिये उद्यत होकर बड़ी शोभा पा रहे थे
pragūhīta-mahā-khaḍgau tau carma-vara-dhāriṇau | śuśubhāte nara-vyāghrau yuddhāya samavasthitau ||
Sañjaya said: Those two tiger-like heroes, gripping great swords and bearing fine shields, stood poised for battle and shone with martial splendor—an image of valor at the threshold where duty and violence meet.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of disciplined readiness: courage and preparedness are praised, while the ethical tension remains implicit—martial splendor is set at the edge of violence, where dharma must govern action.
Sañjaya describes two eminent warriors standing in battle formation, holding large swords and fine shields, appearing radiant and fully prepared to fight.