The Story
The fourth day of the Mahabharata War began with roaring energy. The Pandavas commanded 7 Akshauhinis (a military unit, consisting of 1 elephant, 1 chariot, 3 horsemen and 5 foot soldiers, multiplied by a factor of 21870) and the Kauravas had 11.
Bheeshma (the Kaurava Commander-in-chief) decided to employ the Mandala Vyuha or the circle formation, with himself at the forefront. Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava prince was placed at the center of the formation, surrounded by the other generals and warriors such as Bhoorisravas, Shalya, Bhagadatta, Susharman, Kripacharya, Shakuni, Kritavarman, Dusshasana, Jayadratha and Ashwatthama on all sides. Karna unfortunately had to sit out the battle at this point because Bheeshma refused to share the battlefield with him and Duryodhana, needing Bheeshma's support, had to yield.
Though his great grandfather Bheeshma seemed invincible, Arjuna commanded the Pandava forces to form the Sringataka Vyuha, or the Horn formation. Virata (King of Matsya) and Abhimanyu (Arjuna’s son) together with Arjuna formed the head of the formation that would break into the enemy army. Drupada (the Panchala King) and his son Drishtadhumna (who was also the Commander-in-chief of the Pandava forces) formed the right flank, and Drupada’s other son Shikandi and Satyaki (of the Yadava Vrishni clan) formed the left flank. At the center of the formation was the King Yudhishtra (the eldest Pandava brother) and his youngest brothers Nakula and Sahadeva. Bheema and his son Gatotkacha brought up the rear of the formation. Through sheer force of will, the Pandava formation pierced through the circle formation of the Kauravas and wrought severe damage to their forces.
Philosophy of the Formations
The Horn:
Horns function as an animal's weapon, and thus represent their strength and aggression. The durability of animal horns has long fascinated humans and has often stood as a symbol of salvation and immortality. The horns of an animal also represent protection and asylum when they protect their families from predators.
On the flip side, the horn can also be associated with the madness and rage of a charging animal that is defending its territory.
These philosophies reflect the mental state of the Pandavas in their desire to protect and regain the kingdom that they believe is rightfully theirs, but are also somewhat charging headlong into war without really thinking of the consequences of such an act (as is seen at the end of the battle, where their entire family is wiped out).
The Circle:
The Ouroboros in greek mythology was a circle formed by a snake swallowing its own tail, representing regeneration, rebirth, completion and eternity.
The Enso is a Japanese symbol that resembles an incomplete circle, representing enlightenment, elegance, perfection and strength.
These philosophies reflect the mental state of the Kauravas, as they believe that everything is as it should be, with the rightful rulers already on the throne, as well as their supreme confidence that they will emerge the victors in this conflict.
Map of the Battlefield
