Shloka 12
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
तयो: समभवद् युद्ध तुमुलं लोमहर्षणम् । सात्यकि: कृतवर्माणं कृतवर्मा च सात्यकिम्
tayoḥ samabhavad yuddhaṃ tumulaṃ lomaharṣaṇam | sātyakiḥ kṛtavarmāṇaṃ kṛtavarmā ca sātyakim ||
Sañjaya berkata: Antara kedua-duanya tercetus pertempuran yang dahsyat, bergemuruh dan menggetarkan bulu roma. Sātyaki menyerang Kṛtavarmā, dan Kṛtavarmā pula membalas menyerang Sātyaki—masing-masing bertembung secara berdepan dalam himpitan ngeri perang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the kṣatriya world of reciprocal challenge and response: in war, actions meet counteractions. Ethically, it highlights the gravity of violence—combat is portrayed as terrifying—reminding the listener that even ‘duty-bound’ warfare carries fearsome human cost.
Sañjaya reports that Sātyaki and Kṛtavarmā engage directly. A fierce, chaotic duel erupts, with each warrior attacking the other in turn, intensifying the broader Kurukṣetra battle.