Shloka 28
भीष्मस्य मण्डलव्यूहः — Bhīṣma’s Maṇḍala Battle-Formation and the Opening Engagements
तावन्योन्यं हि समरे निहत्य रथवाजिन: । विरथावभिवल्गन्तौ समेयातां महारथौ,वे दोनों महाबली समरांगणमें अपने रथके द्वारा दूसरेके रथको पीड़ा देने लगे। उन्होंने आपसमें एक-दूसरेके रथ और घोड़ोंको नष्ट कर दिया। इस प्रकार रथहीन हुए वे दोनों महारथी उछलते-कूदते हुए एक-दूसरेका सामना करने लगे
tāv anyonyaṃ hi samare nihatya rathavājinaḥ | virathāv abhivalgantau sameyātāṃ mahārathau ||
Disse Sañjaya: No campo de batalha, os dois grandes guerreiros de carro derrubaram os carros e os cavalos um do outro. Privados de seus veículos, saltaram à frente a pé e tornaram a se enfrentar—sem se abalar, decididos a continuar o combate apesar da perda de seus aprestos de guerra.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya resolve: even when the external supports of warfare (chariot and horses) are destroyed, the fighters do not abandon the contest. Ethically, it underscores steadfastness and courage in one’s chosen duty, while also reminding the reader of war’s harsh destructiveness.
Sañjaya describes a duel where two elite warriors destroy each other’s chariots and horses. Now chariotless (viratha), they leap forward and re-engage on foot, continuing the fight at close quarters.