Shloka 4
गौरुडव्यूह-रचना तथा अर्धचन्द्र-प्रत्यव्यूह
Garuḍa Array and the Ardhacandra Counter-Formation
शिखण्डिनं पुरस्कृत्य त्रातुमैच्छन्महारथा: । अभ्यवर्तन्त भीष्मस्य रथं हेमपरिष्कृतम्
sañjaya uvāca | śikhaṇḍinaṃ puraskṛtya trātum aicchan mahārathāḥ | abhyavartanta bhīṣmasya rathaṃ hemapariṣkṛtam, jighāṃsantaṃ yudhāṃ śreṣṭha tadā āsīt tumulaṃ mahat |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “O Hari, inilagay nila si Śikhaṇḍin sa unahan upang ipagsanggalang siya, at ang mga dakilang mandirigmang nakasakay sa karwahe ay sumugod sa karwahe ni Bhīṣma na kumikislap sa gintong palamuti. Nang salakayin nila ang pangunahing mandirigma—taglay ang hangaring pumatay—sumiklab ang napakalawak at nakapanghihilakbot na ingay ng digmaan.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical strain of kṣatriya warfare: loyalty and protection of one’s side can compel direct assault even against a venerable elder. It suggests that in war, strategy and duty often collide with reverence and personal bonds, producing moral complexity rather than simple heroism.
Sañjaya describes elite warriors advancing on Bhīṣma’s gold-adorned chariot. They place Śikhaṇḍin at the front as a tactical measure and rush in to protect him while confronting Bhīṣma, triggering a massive, terrifying clash.