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:
- Krauncha vyuha(heron formation)
- Makara vyuha(crocodile formation)
- Kurma vyuha(tortoise or turtle formation)
- Trishula vyuha(trident formation)
- Chakrvyuha(wheel or discus formation)
- Kamala vyuha or Padma vyuha(lotus formation)
- Garud vyuha(eagle formation)
- Oormi vyuha(ocean formation)
- Mandala vyuha(galaxy formation)
- Vajra vyuha(diamond or thunderbolt formation)
- Shakata vyuha(box or cart formation)
- Asura vyuha(demon formation)
- Deva vyuha(divine formation)
- Soochi vyuha(needle formation)
- Sringataka vyuha(horned formation)
- Chandrakala vyuha(crescent or curved blade formation)
- Mala vyuha(garland formation)
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