Shloka 23
भीष्मरक्षण-उद्योगः, शिखण्डि-विवर्जनं, सर्वतोभद्र-व्यूहः
Protection of Bhīṣma, Exemption of Śikhaṇḍin, and the Sarvatobhadra Array
द्रोणश्न॒ सोमदत्तश्न बाह्लीको5थ जयद्रथ: । कृपो भूरिश्रवा: शल्य आवन्त्य: सबृहदूबल:
sañjaya uvāca |
droṇaś ca somadattaś ca bāhlīko 'tha jayadrathaḥ |
kṛpaḥ bhūriśravāḥ śalya āvantyaḥ sa bṛhadbalaḥ ||
Sañjaya sprach: Drona, Somadatta, der König von Bahlika und Jayadratha; Kripa, Bhurishravas, Shalya, der Prinz von Avanti, und auch Brihadbala—diese berühmten Krieger (und wie die Erzählung fortfährt, weitere mit ihren Gefolgsleuten) rückten vor, um Duryodhana zu schützen, der von einem wilden, rākṣasa-gleichen Ansturm bedrängt wurde. Von solchen großen Wagenkämpfern behütet, wurde das Heer der Kauravas äußerst schwer zu bezwingen.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how formidable strength can arise from unity and eminent leadership; ethically, it also suggests that prowess and solidarity can bolster even a flawed cause, reminding readers to examine not only power but the righteousness (dharma) of what that power serves.
Sanjaya lists leading Kaurava-aligned warriors who move to defend Duryodhana amid a dangerous assault; their presence and protection make the Kaurava formation appear nearly unconquerable.