Shloka 27
गौरुडव्यूह-रचना तथा अर्धचन्द्र-प्रत्यव्यूह
Garuḍa Array and the Ardhacandra Counter-Formation
श्वेत: कुरूणामकरोत् क्षयं तस्मिन् महाहवे
sañjaya uvāca |
śvetaḥ kurūṇām akarot kṣayaṃ tasmin mahāhave |
jighāṃsantaṃ yudhāṃ śreṣṭha tadā āsīt tumulaṃ mahat ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “Sa dakilang labanan, si Śveta ay naghatid ng kakila-kilabot na pagkalipol sa hanay ng mga Kuru. Pagkaraan, nang si Bhīṣma—ang pangunahing mandirigma—ay maghangad na patayin siya, lumaki ang sagupaan at naging isang napakalaki at magulong labanan: pinalakas ng pasyang ipagtanggol ang isang kampeon at ng salungat na pasyang putulin ang kanyang buhay.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring ethical tension in war: loyalty and protection of one’s champion provoke counter-violence, rapidly intensifying conflict. It reflects the kṣatriya world where duty to defend allies and the resolve to neutralize a dangerous foe drive the battle’s momentum.
Śveta is inflicting heavy losses on the Kuru forces. In response, Bhīṣma—described as the foremost warrior—moves with the intent to kill Śveta, and this confrontation triggers a massive, chaotic engagement.