Shloka 14
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
अभिमन्युर्महेष्वासं बृहदूबलमयोधयत्,अभिमन्युने महान् धनुर्धर बृहदबलके साथ युद्ध किया। प्रजानाथ! कोसलनरेश बृहदबलने उस युद्धमें अभिमन्युके ध्वजको काट दिया और सारथिको मार गिराया
sañjaya uvāca | abhimanyur maheṣvāsaṃ bṛhadbalam ayodhayat | prajānātha! kosalanareśo bṛhadbalo 'smin yuddhe 'bhimanyor dhvajaṃ ciccheda sārathiṃ ca nyapātayat ||
सञ्जय उवाच—अभिमन्युः महेष्वासं बृहद्बलं समरेऽयोधयत्। प्रजानाथ! कोसलराजो बृहद्बलस्तस्मिन् युद्धेऽभिमन्योर्ध्वजं चिच्छेद, सारथिं च न्यपातयत्॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a warrior’s trial in battle: opponents may target not only the fighter but also the supports of fighting—banner, charioteer, and morale. The ethical frame is kṣatriya-dharma: steadfastness and composure amid sudden tactical setbacks.
Abhimanyu fights Bṛhadbala, the king of Kosala. In the clash, Bṛhadbala cuts down Abhimanyu’s chariot-banner and strikes down his charioteer, weakening Abhimanyu’s immediate battlefield position.