Shloka 38
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
शरीरैर्बहुधा छिन्ने: शोणितौघपरिप्लुतै: । गतासुभिरमित्रघ्न संवृता रणभूमय:
sañjaya uvāca |
śarīrair bahudhā chinnaiḥ śoṇitaugha-pariplutaiḥ |
gatāsubhir amitraghna saṃvṛtā raṇabhūmayaḥ ||
సంజయుడు పలికెను—అమిత్రఘ్నా! అనేక విధాలుగా చీలిపోయిన శరీరాలతో, రక్తప్రవాహాల్లో మునిగిన ప్రాణరహిత దేహాలతో రణభూములు నిండిపోయాయి।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the grim cost of war: even when fought under kṣatriya-dharma, battle produces widespread suffering and death. It invites ethical reflection on violence, the fragility of life, and the heavy consequences borne by warriors and societies.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the state of the battlefield, addressing Arjuna as “slayer of foes.” He describes the ground covered with severed, blood-drenched, lifeless bodies—conveying the intensity and devastation of the fighting.