Shloka 27
भीष्मस्य मण्डलव्यूहः — Bhīṣma’s Maṇḍala Battle-Formation and the Opening Engagements
रथं रथेन समरे पीडयित्वा महाबलौ
rathaṃ rathena samare pīḍayitvā mahābalau |
三阇耶说道：在激战之中，那两位大力勇士以战车相逼、车对车相压，各自力图压倒对方。在那凶猛的交锋里，他们互毁彼此的战车与战马；及至两人皆失其车，那两位大车战士便纵身跃前，面面相对，继续厮杀。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of steadfastness in conflict: even when external supports (chariot, horses) are destroyed, the warriors persist. Ethically, it underscores how rivalry and determination can intensify violence, shifting the contest from weapons and vehicles to direct personal confrontation.
Sañjaya reports that two powerful fighters clash by driving their chariots against each other, damaging and destroying each other’s chariots and horses. Once both become chariotless, they continue the fight on foot, leaping and closing in for direct combat.