Shloka 8
शल्यपरिघातः (Śalya Under Encirclement) — Mahābhārata, Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 12
तौ वृषाविव नर्दन्तौ मण्डलानि विचेरतु: । आवर्तितौ गदाहस्तौ मद्रराजवृकोदरौ,शल्य और भीमसेन दोनों वीर हाथमें गदा लिये साँड़ोंकी तरह गर्जते हुए चक्कर लगाने और पैंतरे देने लगे
tau vṛṣāv iva nardantau maṇḍalāni viceratuḥ | āvartitau gadāhastau madrarājavṛkodarau |
Sañjaya said: Shalya, the king of Madra, and Bhīmasena (Vṛkodara), both gripping their maces, roared like two bulls and began to circle in measured rounds, wheeling and feinting for advantage. The scene underscores the warrior code of single combat—strength restrained by form, where prowess is tested through controlled movement and tactical patience amid the larger chaos of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya discipline in combat: even in lethal conflict, warriors follow a recognizable code—circling, measuring distance, and seeking a fair opening—showing that power is ideally governed by form, restraint, and tactical judgment.
Shalya (king of Madra) and Bhīmasena, each holding a mace, roar like bulls and begin circling one another, turning and feinting as they prepare to strike in a focused one-on-one duel.