[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c9.70 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.70 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c9.70 - **Language:** English ### [c9.70](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.70) If there is cause for fear in front of the army during the march, three Vyūhas (Phalanxes) Makara, Śyena or Sūcī should be put in the Vanguard. The Śakaṭa Vyūha is more suited to meet an attack from behind. If attack is feared from the flanks then also the Śakaṭa-vyūha is advisable. When attack from all the sides is feared sarvatobhadravyūha is indicated. It is the duty of the Supreme Commander to safe-guard his army and suppress reactionary forces whenever the army gets weakened, when it marches through caves, mountains or rocks or other difficult terrain or weakened by the persistent attacks of the enemy. When the time, place and the people's attitude are favourable, the King should engage himself in open war with the enemy, and if they are unfavourable he shall not go in for war. If confrontation with the enemy occurs under circumstances in which the King is visible to the enemy, powerful divisions of the army consisting of warriors of great calibre should be stationed either at the front or in the rear. In the formation of vyūhas (phalanx) there are seven factors called Uras (breast), Kakṣas (arm-pits), two Pakṣas (sides), two Madhyas (centre) and Pṛṣṭha (rear). The commanders should be surrounded by bold soldiers. The leader is the very life of the war. At the Uras of the vyūha powerful elephants, at the Kakṣas chariots and at the Pakṣas cavalry should be stationed. This is called pakṣabhedivyūha. If at the centre cavalry and at Kakṣas and Pakṣas elephants are stationed, it is called antarbhedivyūha. If there are no chariots, cavalry or infantry may be put in their place. Certain authorities maintain that in every vyūha elephants may be stationed in the place of chariots, if chariots are not available. (Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 242). - [Previous: c9.69](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.69) - [Next: c9.71](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.71) - [Up: c9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9) ## Linked texts (1) - [Agnipurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.agni) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.70](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.70) · Pramāṇa