Shloka 336
Chapter 12: Arjuna’s suppression of the Saṃśaptakas and duel with Aśvatthāmā
Drauṇi
चचार मण्डलान्येव गतप्रत्यागतानि च । सैकड़ों तारक-चिह्लोंसे भरी हुई सात्यकिकी ढाल काटकर विन्द गत और प्रत्यागत आदि पैंतरे बदलने लगा
cācāra maṇḍalānyeva gatapratyāgatāni ca |
Sanjaya berkata: Dia bergerak dalam gerak langkah berputar, maju dan berundur silih berganti. Setelah menetak perisai Sātyaki yang penuh dengan tanda-tanda bintang, Vinda pun mula menukar helah—kadang mara, kadang mengundur—dengan langkah yang terlatih.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined martial conduct—controlled movement, measured advance and retreat—suggesting that even in violent conflict, skill and restraint shape a warrior’s action within the demands of kṣatriya-dharma.
Sañjaya describes a fighter executing circular maneuvers and alternating advance-and-withdrawal movements, indicating tactical footwork and readiness in the ongoing battle.