Shloka 28
भीष्मस्य मण्डलव्यूहः — Bhīṣma’s Maṇḍala Battle-Formation and the Opening Engagements
तावन्योन्यं हि समरे निहत्य रथवाजिन: । विरथावभिवल्गन्तौ समेयातां महारथौ
tāv anyonyaṃ hi samare nihatya rathavājinaḥ | virathāv abhivalgantau sameyātāṃ mahārathau ||
三阇耶说道：在战场上，那两位大车战士互相击毁对方的战车与战马。失却战车之后，他们便跃身向前，徒步再度逼近相搏——毫不退缩，纵然战具尽失，仍执意续战。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya resolve: even when the external supports of warfare (chariot and horses) are destroyed, the fighters do not abandon the contest. Ethically, it underscores steadfastness and courage in one’s chosen duty, while also reminding the reader of war’s harsh destructiveness.
Sañjaya describes a duel where two elite warriors destroy each other’s chariots and horses. Now chariotless (viratha), they leap forward and re-engage on foot, continuing the fight at close quarters.