Shloka 10
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
छिन्नत्रिवेणुसंघातान् हताश्चान् पार्ष्णिसारथीन् | विस्नस्तहस्ततूणीरान् विचक्ररथकेतनान्,अर्जुनने उस समय अपने बाणोंद्वारा शत्रुओंके रथोंकी बड़ी बुरी दशा कर डाली। उनके त्रिवेणुसमूह काट डाले, घोड़ों और पार्श्वरक्षकोंको मार डाला। उन योद्धाओंके हाथोंसे खिसककर तूणीर गिर गये तथा उनके रथोंके पहिये और ध्वज भी नष्ट हो गये। घोड़ोंकी बागडोर, जोत और रथके धुरे भी काट डाले गये। उनके अनुकर्ष और जूए भी चौपट हो गये थे
sañjaya uvāca |
chinna-triveṇu-saṅghātān hatāś cān pārṣṇi-sārathīn |
visnasta-hasta-tūṇīrān vicakra-ratha-ketanān |
Sañjaya said: Arjuna, at that time, reduced the enemy chariots to ruin with his arrows—cutting down their clustered triveṇu-poles, slaying their horses and the chariot-guards and drivers, and leaving the warriors’ quivers slipping from their hands. Their chariots were rendered helpless: wheels shattered and banners brought down. The scene underscores the brutal efficiency of battlefield skill, where martial prowess swiftly strips opponents of mobility, protection, and honor-symbols, turning war into a stark display of impermanence and vulnerability.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how quickly power and security collapse in war: mobility (wheels, horses), protection (guards), and prestige (banners) can be stripped away in moments. Ethically, it points to the harsh reality of kṣatriya-duty—skill used decisively—while also implying the fragility of worldly supports amid conflict.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna’s archery devastating the opposing side: he cuts key chariot structures, kills horses and chariot personnel, dislodges quivers from warriors’ hands, and destroys chariot wheels and standards, leaving enemy chariots disabled and their formations broken.