Shloka 21
पोथयन्तौ तदान्योन्यं मण्डलानि विचेरतु: । क्रियाविशेषं कृतिनौ दर्शयामासतुस्तदा,वे दोनों युद्धकलाके विद्वान् वीर, एक-दूसरेको कुचलते हुए मण्डलाकार विचरते और अपना-अपना विशेष कार्य-कौशल प्रदर्शित करते थे
pothayantau tadānyonyaṃ maṇḍalāni viceratuḥ | kriyāviśeṣaṃ kṛtinau darśayāmāsatuḥ tadā ||
Sañjaya said: At that time the two accomplished warriors pressed hard against one another and moved in circling patterns, each displaying his own distinctive mastery of combat. The scene underscores how skill and discipline can intensify violence when yoked to the aims of war rather than to restraint.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that technical excellence (kriyāviśeṣa, kṛtinau) is morally neutral: when directed by the purposes of war, it becomes a force that sharpens conflict. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical horizon, prowess must be governed by dharma—otherwise skill merely perfects harm.
Sañjaya describes two expert fighters engaged in a close duel. They circle one another in maṇḍala-like movements—standard tactical footwork/chariot manoeuvring—while each demonstrates distinctive combat techniques, pressing and counter-pressing in an intense exchange.