Shloka 23
नरश्रेष्ठ अर्जुनने रथके द्वारा ही उस हाथीका सामना किया। रथ और हाथीका वह संघर्ष बड़ा भयंकर था ।। कल्पिताभ्यां यथाशास्त्रं रथेन च गजेन च । संग्रामे चेरतुर्वीरी भगदत्तधनंजयौ,शास्त्रीय विधिके अनुसार निर्मित और सुसज्जित रथ तथा सुशिक्षित हाथीके द्वारा वीरवर अर्जुन और भगदत्त संग्रामभूमिमें विचरने लगे
sañjaya uvāca | kalpitābhyāṃ yathāśāstraṃ rathena ca gajena ca | saṃgrāme ceratur vīrī bhagadattadhanañjayau ||
Sanjaya said: In the battle, the two heroes—Bhagadatta and Dhananjaya (Arjuna)—moved about and engaged one another, Bhagadatta upon his elephant and Arjuna upon his chariot, both equipped and arrayed in accordance with the prescribed martial science. Their encounter underscores the disciplined, rule-governed character of kṣatriya warfare even amid terrifying violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the chaos of war, the verse highlights yathāśāstram—action governed by established discipline and codes. It reflects the Mahābhārata’s recurring ethical tension: violence is present, yet kṣatriya conduct is ideally regulated by training, propriety, and rule-bound engagement rather than mere rage.
Sanjaya describes Bhagadatta and Arjuna engaging in battle: Bhagadatta fights from a well-prepared elephant, while Arjuna counters from a properly equipped chariot. The verse frames their movement and combat as a formal duel of two elite warriors using their respective war-platforms.