Shloka 21
मण्डलानि विचित्राणि गतप्रत्यागतानि च । चेरतुर्दर्शयन्तौ च प्रार्थयन्ती परस्परम्,वे आगे बढ़ने और पीछे हटने आदि विचित्र पैंतरे दिखाते एवं एक-दूसरेको ललकारते हुए रणभूमिमें विचरते थे
sañjaya uvāca | maṇḍalāni vicitrāṇi gatapratyāgatāni ca | ceratur darśayantau ca prārthayantī parasparam |
三阇耶说道：他们施展奇异的回旋步法——时进时退、往复交替——在战场上游走盘旋，彼此呼喝挑衅。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos: disciplined courage and tactical skill expressed through formal challenge and maneuvering. It hints at how warfare, even when framed by honor, becomes a severe test of dharma because skill and pride can intensify violence.
Sañjaya describes two warriors moving about the battlefield, performing circular feints and alternating advance and retreat, while mutually challenging one another—setting the tone for a focused duel amid the larger conflict.