Shloka 18
अन्योन्यस्य धनुश्कछित्त्वा हयान् हत्वा च भारत । विरथावसियुद्धाय समीयतुरमर्षणौ,भारत! दोनोंने एक-दूसरेका धनुष काटकर घोड़ोंको भी मार डाला और रथहीन हो दोनों ही एक-दूसरेपर कुपित हो परस्पर खड्गयुद्धके लिये आमने-सामने आये
anyonyasya dhanuṣkṛt chittvā hayān hatvā ca bhārata | virathāv asi-yuddhāya samīyatur amarṣaṇau ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “O Bhārata, matapos putulin ang mga pana ng isa’t isa at patayin ang mga kabayo, ang dalawa—na ngayo’y wala nang karwahe at nag-aalab sa poot—ay sumulong sa isa’t isa upang magtagpo sa labanan ng tabak, harapang-harapan.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of relentless engagement in battle: when primary weapons and chariots are lost, warriors continue with whatever means remain. Ethically, it portrays how anger (amarṣa) can intensify conflict, shifting from ranged combat to close, personal violence.
Two opposing warriors disable each other’s bows, kill the horses, and become chariotless. Enraged, they close the distance and prepare for direct sword combat.