Shloka 36
भीष्मस्य मण्डलव्यूहः — Bhīṣma’s Maṇḍala Battle-Formation and the Opening Engagements
एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु सूर्येडस्तमुपगच्छति । सर्वेषां चैव सैन्यानां प्रमोहः समजायत,इसी समय सूर्य अस्ताचलको चले गये। तब आपके समस्त सैनिकोंपर मोह छा गया
etasminn eva kāle tu sūrye 'stam upagacchati | sarveṣāṃ caiva sainyānāṃ pramohaḥ samajāyata ||
Sañjaya said: Just at that very time, as the sun was setting, a bewildering confusion fell upon all the armies. With daylight fading, clarity of judgment and coordinated action weakened, and the battlefield slipped into disarray.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how external conditions—especially the pressure of time and the onset of darkness—can trigger pramoha (loss of discernment). In ethical terms, it warns that dharmic action in war depends not only on valor but also on clarity, discipline, and leadership that can withstand confusion.
Sañjaya reports that as the sun set, confusion spread across the troops. The fading light and the strain of battle disrupt coordination and morale, setting the stage for disorder and uncertain decisions on the battlefield.