Vyooh in MBH
At various times during battle, the supreme commander of either army
ordered special formations ("vyuhas"). Each formation had a specific
purpose; some were defensive while others were offensive. Each formation
had its specific strengths and weaknesses. The Mahābhārata lists the
following:
Kraunch Vyooh (Heron formation)
Makar Vyooh (Crocodile formation)
Koorm Vyooh (Tortoise or Turtle formation)
Trishool Vyooh (Trident formation)
Chakra Vyooh (Wheel or discus formation)
Kamal Vyooh or Padm Vyooh (Lotus formation)
Garud Vyooh (Eagle formation)
Oormi Vyooh (Ocean formation)
Mandal Vyooh (Galaxy formation)
Vajra Vyooh (Diamond or Thunderbolt formation)
Shakat Vyooh (box or cart formation)
Asur Vyooh (Demon formation)
Deva Vyooh (divine formation)
Soochi Vyooh (Needle formation)
Shringatak Vyooh (Horned formation)
Chandrakalaa Vyooh (Crescent or Curved blade formation)
Maalaa Vyooh (Garland formation)
It is not clear what the formations actually indicate, but it seems that
they were arrangements of resemblance to animals,
The number 18 figures prominently in the Mahaabhaarat. The battle lasts
18 days, 18 conch shells are blown before the battle, the text has 18
chapters, and 18 groups of soldiers were involved (11 on the side of the
Kaurav and 7 on the side of the Paandav). Logically there should be one
more Vyooh or formation in the list shown above. Perhaps the commencement
of the dialogue in the first chapter between two armies can be taken as
one Vyooh.
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