Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
चन्द्रनक्षत्रभासै श्व वदनैश्वारुकुण्डलै:
candra-nakṣatra-bhāsaiḥ śva-vadanaiś cāru-kuṇḍalaiḥ
سنجے نے کہا—(وہ منظر) چاند اور ستاروں کی مانند چمکتے (وجودوں) سے، کتے جیسے چہروں والی صورتوں سے، اور خوبصورت کُنڈلوں سے بھرا ہوا دکھائی دیتا تھا۔
संजय उवाच
The verse contributes to the Mahābhārata’s ethical atmosphere by portraying ominous, uncanny signs around the battlefield—suggesting that when adharma dominates, nature and perception themselves appear distorted, warning of grave consequences.
Sañjaya is describing a terrifying, supernatural-looking scene associated with the war: radiant appearances like moon and stars alongside dog-faced forms adorned with earrings—imagery typical of portents that heighten tension and foreshadow calamity.