Shloka 16
Arjuna–Bhīṣma Strategic Engagement and Mutual Arrow-Interdiction (भीष्मार्जुनसमागमः)
विविंशतिकश्षित्रसेनो विकर्णश्र महारथ: । पुरुमित्रो जयो भोज: सौमदत्तिश्न वीर्यवान्,(अग्रतः पाण्डुसेनाया हाृतिष्ठन् पृथिवीक्षित: ।।
sañjaya uvāca |
viviṁśatir citraseno vikarṇaś ca mahārathaḥ |
purumitro jayo bhojaḥ saumadattiś ca vīryavān |
(agrataḥ pāṇḍu-senāyā hṛtiṣṭhan pṛthivīkṣitaḥ ||)
Sañjaya sprach: Viviṁśati, Citrasena und Vikarṇa, der große Wagenkämpfer; Purumitra, Jaya, Bhoja und der tapfere Sohn Somadattas (Bhūriśravas) — diese Könige bezogen Stellung an der Front des Pāṇḍava-Heeres. Sie schwangen ihre mächtigen Bögen und ergriffen Pfeile, die beim Abschuss wie giftige Schlangen erschienen; so glichen sie Gewitterwolken, von Blitzen durchzuckt, und traten der feindlichen Linie entgegen, als ein furchtbarer Schutzschirm vor den Pāṇḍavas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness and organized resistance in battle: leaders take the forefront, display readiness, and form a protective line. Ethically, it illustrates how martial excellence and courage can be deployed in service of one’s side—without itself guaranteeing the righteousness of the cause.
Sañjaya lists prominent Kaurava warriors—Viviṁśati, Citrasena, Vikarṇa, Purumitra, Jaya, Bhoja, and Bhūriśravas—who advance to the front and stand facing the Pāṇḍava forces, appearing like storm-clouds with lightning as they ready bows and serpent-like arrows.