Shloka 24
गौरुडव्यूह-रचना तथा अर्धचन्द्र-प्रत्यव्यूह
Garuḍa Array and the Ardhacandra Counter-Formation
चक्रे भग्ने युगे छिन्ने एकथधुयें हये हत:
cakre bhagne yuge chinne ekathādhūye haye hataḥ | jighāṃsantaṃ yudhāṃ śreṣṭha tadā āsīt tumulaṃ mahat ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “O Hari, nang mabasag ang gulong, maputol ang pamatok, at mapatay ang kabayo—anupa’t ang karwahe’y naiwan na lamang na may iisang kabayo—noon, habang ang pinakadakilang mandirigma (si Bhīṣma) ay sumusulong na may hangaring pumatay, sumiklab ang isang napakalaki at magulong labanan. Sa sandaling iyon, lalo pang tumindi ang tunggalian, sapagkat nagsidagsa ang mga dakilang mandirigma upang ipagtanggol ang kanila at pigilan ang pagpaslang sa piniling kampeon.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of worldly power in war: even the greatest warriors become vulnerable when their supports (chariot, horses, equipment) fail. Ethically, it underscores kṣatriya-dharma’s harsh reality—duty-driven combat escalates when a feared slayer advances, compelling others to intervene to protect their side.
Sañjaya describes a critical moment in battle: a chariot is disabled (wheel broken, yoke cut, horse killed), and as the foremost warrior advances with lethal intent, the fighting swells into a fierce, chaotic clash as opposing forces surge to attack or defend.