Shloka 12
Sainyasaṅgraha and Bhāga-Vyavasthā (Forces Assembled and Rival Allocations) | सैन्यसंग्रह-भागव्यवस्था
भीष्म: शान्तनवो राजन् भाग: क्लृप्त: शिखण्डिन: । तं॑ विराटोडनुसंयाता सार्थ मत्स्यै: प्रहारिभि:,राजन! शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्मजीके वधका कार्य शिखण्डीको सौंपा गया है। राजा विराट मत्स्यदेशीय योद्धाओंके साथ शिखण्डीकी सहायताके लिये उसका अनुसरण करेंगे
bhīṣmaḥ śāntanavo rājan bhāgaḥ klṛptaḥ śikhaṇḍinaḥ | taṃ virāṭo 'nusamyātā sārthaṃ matsyaiḥ prahāribhiḥ ||
রাজন! শান্তনুনন্দন ভীষ্মকে বধ করার দায়িত্ব শিখণ্ডীর উপর অর্পিত হয়েছে। রাজা বিরাট মৎস্যদেশীয় প্রহারী যোদ্ধাদের সঙ্গে শিখণ্ডীর সহায়তায় তার পশ্চাতে অগ্রসর হবেন।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights role-allocation in dharmic warfare: responsibilities are deliberately assigned according to circumstance and capability, and allies coordinate to support a designated agent. It also reflects the ethical tension of confronting an invincible elder through a specific, pre-arranged means.
Sanjaya reports the planned arrangement: Shikhandin is designated as the key figure for Bhishma’s downfall, and King Virata, along with Matsya fighters, will accompany and support Shikhandin in that effort.