Shloka 20
भीष्मसेनासंनिवेशः — Bhīṣma’s Mobilization, Omens, and the Kaurava Array
स तु गोवासन: शैब्य: सहित: सर्वराजभि: । ययौ मातड्राजेन राजार्हेण पताकिना । पद्मवर्णस्त्वनीकानां सर्वेषामग्रत: स्थित:
sa tu govāsanaḥ śaibyaḥ sahitaḥ sarvarājabhiḥ | yayau mātaḍrājena rājārheṇa patākinā | padmavarṇas tv anīkānāṃ sarveṣām agrataḥ sthitaḥ ||
قال سنجيا: «إنّ شَيْبْيَة، وقد لبس ثوبًا من جلد بقرة، تقدّم مع جميع الملوك، ومعه مَاتَḍرَاجَة حاملُ الراية، وهو محاربٌ جديرٌ بكرامة الملوك. وكان بلونٍ كزهرة اللوتس، واقفًا في مقدّمة جميع الصفوف والكتائب.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of disciplined leadership in war: a commander or leading warrior stands at the forefront, visibly bearing responsibility, supported by allies and proper insignia of duty (banner/standard), emphasizing order, courage, and accountability amid conflict.
Sañjaya describes a warrior-king named Śaibya advancing with the assembled kings. He is accompanied by Mātaḍrāja, who carries a banner and is described as worthy of royal honor. Śaibya, lotus-hued, is positioned at the very front of the army formations as the forces move into battle.