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According to Yudhishthira's order Dhrishtadyumna arrayed the Pandava army
in makara* formation for the sixth day's battle. The Kaurava army was arrayed in
krauncha** formation.
We know, how, similarly, names waregiven to physical exercise, asanas,
or postures. Vyuha was the general name for battle array. Which Vyuha was best for any
particular occasion, depended on the requirements of the offensive and defen- sive plans
of the day.
What the strength and composition of the forces arrayed should be and
what posi- tions they should take up were decided upon, according to the situation as it
developed from time to time.
The sixth day was marked by a prodigious slaughter, even in the first
part of the morning. Drona's charioteer was killed and Drona took the reins of the horses
himself and used his bow as well.
Great was the destruction he effected. He went about like fire among
cotton heaps. The formations of both armies were soon broken and indiscriminate and fierce
fighting went on. Blood flowed in torrents and the field was covered by dead bodies of
soldiers, elephants and horses and the debris of chariots.
Author : Shri C. Raja Gopalachari
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