Shloka 13
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 125: Duryodhana’s despair and vow after Jayadratha’s fall (जयद्रथवधे दुर्योधनविलापः)
ते तु तं रथवंशेन महता पर्यवारयन्
te tu taṃ rathavaṃśena mahatā paryavārayan
सञ्जय उवाच—ते तु महता रथव्यूहेन तं सर्वतोऽभ्यवारयन्, एकं वीरं बहुभिः समवायेन निग्रहीतुं कृतनिश्चयाः।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring ethical tension in epic warfare: when a single formidable warrior cannot be checked by equal duel, opponents resort to collective tactics and formations. It invites reflection on kṣatriya ideals of fair combat versus the practical demands of victory and survival.
A group of warriors closes in around one targeted fighter, forming a large chariot-array (a barricade-like formation) to restrict his movement and isolate him within the battle.