The Story
The 8th day of the Mahabharata War began with fury. The Pandavas (in white) 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 (in black) had 11.
Bheeshma (the Kaurava Commander-in-chief) decided to employ the Koorma Vyuha or the defensive turtle 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.
To circumvent his great grandfather Bheeshma’s battle prowess, Arjuna commanded the Pandava forces to form the Trishula Vyuha, or the tactical trident formation. Arjuna and his son Abhimanyu led one spike of the trident, backed up by Satyaki (of the Yadava Vrishni clan) and Virata (King of Matsya). Bheema and his son Gatotkacha led the other spike of the trident, backed up by Drupada (King of Panchala) and his son Shikandi. Drupada’s other son Drishtadyumna (also the Commander-in-chief of the Pandava forces) led the central spike, while also protecting King Yudhishtra (the eldest Pandava brother) and his youngest brothers Nakula and Sahadeva. By circumventing Bheeshma’s direct onslaught, the Pandava formation managed to wreak severe damage to the Kaurava forces.
Philosophy of the Formations
The Trident:
In Greek mythology, the trident is the symbol of Poseidon, the god of the sea. It was forged by the cyclopses to aid in his battle against the titans, and is associated with hurricanes and earthquakes. In Ancient Greece, the trident was employed as a harpoon for spearing large fish.
In Hindu mythology, the trident is the weapon of Shiva, the god of destruction. It is said to represent the three gunas of Sattvika, Rajas and Tams.
These philosophies may reflect the mental state of the Pandavas in their desire to destroy parts of the Kaurava army while also avoiding the terrifying power of their great grandfather Bheeshma.
The Turtle:
Turtles are often depicted in cultures as patient, and wise creatures. Due to their long lifespan, slow movement, and sturdiness, they represent longevity and stability in many cultures around the world.
These philosophies reflect the mental state of Bheeshma who was always reluctant to directly cause harm to his Pandava great grandchildren, and has resorted to a defensive stance with the intent of wearing out the enemy army.
Map of the Battlefield
