Adhyaya 16

Verse 1

भीकम (2 अमान षोडशो< ध्याय: दुर्योधनकी सेनाका वर्णन संजय उवाच ततो रजन्यां व्युष्टायां शब्द: समभवन्महान्‌ | क्रोशतां भूमिपालानां युज्यतां युज्यतामिति,संजय कहते हैं--राजन्‌! तदनन्तर रात्रिके अन्तमें सबेरा होते ही “रथ जोतो, युद्धके लिये तैयार हो जाओ।” इस प्रकार जोर-जोरसे बोलनेवाले राजाओंका महान्‌ कोलाहल सब ओर छा गया

Sañjaya said: “Then, when the night had ended and dawn broke, a great uproar arose on every side—kings shouting loudly, ‘Harness the chariots! Make ready, make ready for battle!’”

Verse 2

शड्खदुन्दुभिघौषैश्न सिंहनादैश्व भारत । हयहेषितनादैश्व रथनेमिस्वनैस्तथा,भरतनन्दन! शंख और दुन्दुभियोंकी ध्वनि, वीरोंके सिंहनाद, घोड़ोंकी हिनहिनाहट, रथके पहियोंकी घरघराहट, हाथियोंकी गर्जना तथा गर्जते हुए योद्धाओंके सिंहनाद करने, ताल ठोंकने और जोर-जोरसे बोलने आदिकी तुमुल ध्वनि सब ओर व्याप्त हो गयी

Sañjaya said: “O Bharata, the battlefield was filled on every side with a tumult of sounds—blasts of conches and the booming of kettle-drums, the lion-like roars of warriors, the neighing of horses, and the rumbling resonance of chariot-wheels.”

Verse 3

गजानां बूंहतां चैव योधानां चापि गर्जताम्‌ । क्ष्वेलितास्फोटितोकत्क्रुष्टैस्तुमुलं सर्वती5भवत्‌,भरतनन्दन! शंख और दुन्दुभियोंकी ध्वनि, वीरोंके सिंहनाद, घोड़ोंकी हिनहिनाहट, रथके पहियोंकी घरघराहट, हाथियोंकी गर्जना तथा गर्जते हुए योद्धाओंके सिंहनाद करने, ताल ठोंकने और जोर-जोरसे बोलने आदिकी तुमुल ध्वनि सब ओर व्याप्त हो गयी

Sañjaya said: O joy of the Bharatas, from the trumpeting elephants and the roaring warriors—together with neighing, hand-clapping, breast-beating, and loud battle-cries—there arose a tumultuous din that spread in every direction. The scene signals the moral gravity of the coming conflict: the outward surge of martial pride and collective frenzy that precedes the testing of dharma on the battlefield.

Verse 4

उदतिष्ठन्महाराज सर्व युक्तमशेषत: । सूर्योदये महत्‌ सैन्यं कुरुपाण्डवसेनयो:,महाराज! सूर्योदय होते-होते कौरवों और पाण्डवोंकी वह सारी विशाल सेना सम्पूर्ण रूपसे युद्धके लिये तैयार हो उठी

Sañjaya said: O King, at sunrise the vast forces of both the Kurus and the Pāṇḍavas rose up fully arrayed—every unit completely prepared for battle. The day’s beginning thus becomes the signal for disciplined readiness, as the war is set in motion with total organization and resolve.

Verse 5

राजेन्द्र तव पुत्राणां पाण्डवानां तथैव च | दुष्प्रधृष्याणि चास्त्राणि सशस्त्रकवचानि च,राजेन्द्र! आपके पुत्रों तथा पाण्डवोंके दुर्दम्य अस्त्र-शस्त्र तथा कवच चमक उठे

Sanjaya said: O king of kings, the formidable weapons—and the arms and armor—of your sons and likewise of the Pandavas shone forth, difficult for any foe to withstand. The scene underscores the equal martial preparedness on both sides, foreshadowing the grave ethical weight of a war where kin confront kin.

Verse 6

ततः प्रकाशे सैन्यानि समदृश्यन्त भारत । त्वदीयानां परेषां च शस्त्रवन्ति महान्ति च,भारत! तब सूर्योदयके प्रकाशमें आपकी और शत्रुओंकी सारी सेनाएँ शब्त्रोंसे सुसज्जित तथा अत्यन्त विशाल दिखायी देने लगीं

Sañjaya said: Then, as daylight spread, the armies came clearly into view—both yours and the enemy’s, O Bhārata—vast in extent and bristling with weapons. The scene signals the irreversible approach of battle, where human choice and responsibility will now be tested amid the glare of open conflict.

Verse 7

तत्र नागा रथाश्वैव जाम्बूनदपरिष्कृता: । विभ्राजमाना दृश्यन्ते मेघा इव सविद्युत:,जाम्बूनद नामक सुवर्णसे विभूषित आपके हाथी और रथ बिजलियोंसहित मेघोंकी घटाके समान प्रकाशमान दिखायी देते थे

Sañjaya said: There, the elephants and the chariots, adorned with Jāmbūnada gold, were seen shining brilliantly—like clouds lit up with lightning. The image underscores the dazzling martial splendor of the assembled forces, where outward magnificence signals the gravity and imminence of war.

Verse 8

रथानीकान्यदृश्यन्त नगराणीव भूरिश: । अतीव शुशुभे तत्र पिता ते पूर्णचन्द्रवत्‌,बहुसंख्यक रथोंकी सेनाएँ नगरोंके समान दृष्टिगोचर हो रही थीं। उनके बीच आपके ताऊ भीष्मजी, पूर्ण चन्द्रमाके समान प्रकाशित हो रहे थे

Sañjaya said: Vast masses of chariot-formations came into view, resembling cities in their sheer size and density. In their midst your grandsire Bhishma shone exceedingly—radiant like the full moon—standing as the foremost emblem of the Kuru host’s might and resolve on the eve of battle.

Verse 9

धनुर्भिऋकष्टिभि: खड्गैर्गदाभि: शक्तितोमरै: । योधा: प्रहरणै: शुभ्रैस्तेष्वनीकेष्ववस्थिता:,आपकी सेनाके सैनिक धनुष, खड्ग, ऋष्टि, गदा, शक्ति और तोमर आदि चमकीले अस्त्र-शस्त्र लेकर उन सेनाओंमें खड़े थे

Sañjaya said: The warriors stood arrayed within those battle-formations, bearing bright weapons—bows, spears, swords, maces, and missiles such as śakti-darts and tomara-javelins—ready for the clash that was about to test resolve, discipline, and the claims of dharma on the field of war.

Verse 10

गजा: पदाता रथिनस्तुरगाश्न विशाम्पते । व्यतिष्ठन्‌ वागुराकारा: शतशो5थ सहस्रश:,प्रजानाथ! हाथी, घोड़े, पैदल और रथी, शत्रुओंको बाँधनेके लिये जाल-से बनकर एक- एक जगह सैकड़ों और हजारोंकी संख्यामें खड़े थे

Sañjaya said: “O lord of the people, elephants, infantry, chariot-warriors, and horses stood stationed—by hundreds and by thousands—arrayed like a net, as if to ensnare the enemy.”

Verse 11

ध्वजा बहुविधाकारा व्यदृश्यन्त समुच्छिता: । स्वेषां चैव परेषां च द्युतिमन्त: सहस्रश:,अपने और शत्रुओंके अनेक प्रकारके ऊँचे-ऊँचे चमकीले ध्वज हजारोंकी संख्यामें दृष्टिगोचर हो रहे थे

Sañjaya said: Lofty banners of many different shapes and designs came into view—on both sides, ours and the enemy’s—shining brilliantly in their thousands. The scene signals the vast scale of the impending battle and the outward display of power and identity that precedes the moral trial of war.

Verse 12

काज्चना मणिचित्राज्रा ज्वलन्त इव पावका: । अर्चिष्मन्तो व्यरोचन्त गजारोहा: सहस्रश:,सुवर्णमय आभूषण पहने, मणियोंके अलंकारोंसे विचित्र अंगोंवाले, सहस्रों हाथीसवार सैनिक अपनी प्रभासे शिखाओंसहित प्रज्वलित अग्निके समान प्रकाशित हो रहे थे

Sañjaya said: Thousands of elephant-mounted warriors, adorned with golden ornaments and limbs made variegated by jeweled decorations, shone brilliantly—like blazing fires with streaming flames—radiating splendor across the battlefield.

Verse 13

महेन्द्रकेतव: शुभ्रा महेन्द्रसदनेष्विव । संनद्धास्ते प्रवीराश्च ददृशुर्युद्धकाड्क्षिण:,जैसे इन्द्रभवनमें देवराज इन्द्रके चमकीले ध्वज फहराते रहते हैं, उसी प्रकार कौरव- पाण्डवसेनाके ध्वज भी फहरा रहे थे। दोनों सेनाओंके प्रमुख वीर युद्धकी अभिलाषा रखकर कवच आदिसे सुसज्जित दिखायी दे रहे थे

Sañjaya said: Like the bright banners of Indra that gleam in Indra’s own celestial hall, so too the standards of the Kaurava and Pāṇḍava hosts shone forth. Those foremost warriors, fully armed and armored, were seen standing ready—each longing for battle as the great conflict was about to begin.

Verse 14

उद्यतैरायुधैक्षित्रास्तलबद्धा: कलापिन: । ऋषभाक्षा मनुष्येन्द्रा श्रमूमुखगता बभु:,उनके हथियार उठे हुए थे। वे हाथमें दस्ताने और पीठपर तरकश बाँधे सेनाके मुहानेपर खड़े हुए भूपालगण अद्भुत शोभा पा रहे थे। उनकी आँखें बैलोंकी आँखोंके समान बड़ी- बड़ी दिखायी दे रही थीं

Their weapons were raised aloft; they wore gauntlets on their hands and had quivers bound upon their backs. Standing at the very front of the host, those kings shone with a wondrous splendor. Their eyes appeared large and wide, like the eyes of mighty bulls.

Verse 15

शकुनि: सौबल: शल्य: सैन्धवो5थ जयद्रथ: । विन्दानुविन्दौ कैकेया: काम्बोजस्य सुदक्षिण:,सुबलपुत्र शकुनि, शल्य, स्विन्धुनरेश जयद्रथ, विन्द-अनुविन्द, केकयराजकुमार, काम्बोजराज सुदक्षिण, कलिंगराज श्रुतायुध, राजा जयत्सेन, कोशलनरेश बृहद्वधल तथा भोजवंशी कृतवर्मा--ये दस पुरुषसिंह शूरवीर क्षत्रिय एक-एक अक्षौहिणी सेनाके अधिनायक थे। इनकी भुजाएँ परिघोंके समान मोटी दिखायी देती थीं। इन सबने बड़े-बड़े यज्ञ किये थे और उनमें प्रचुर दक्षिणाएँ दी थीं

Sañjaya said: Shakuni, son of Subala; Shalya; and the Sindhu king Jayadratha; Vindā and Anuvindā, the princes of Kekaya; and Sudakshina of Kamboja—these renowned Kshatriya heroes were named among the foremost leaders on the Kaurava side. In Sanjaya’s ethical framing, the roll-call underscores how vast power and celebrated lineage have been gathered for a war whose righteousness is contested, heightening the tragedy of dharma strained by ambition and allegiance.

Verse 16

श्रुतायुधश्न॒ कालिड्रो जयत्सेनश्व पार्थिव: । बृहद्धलश्न कौशल्य: कृतवर्मा च सात्वत:,सुबलपुत्र शकुनि, शल्य, स्विन्धुनरेश जयद्रथ, विन्द-अनुविन्द, केकयराजकुमार, काम्बोजराज सुदक्षिण, कलिंगराज श्रुतायुध, राजा जयत्सेन, कोशलनरेश बृहद्वधल तथा भोजवंशी कृतवर्मा--ये दस पुरुषसिंह शूरवीर क्षत्रिय एक-एक अक्षौहिणी सेनाके अधिनायक थे। इनकी भुजाएँ परिघोंके समान मोटी दिखायी देती थीं। इन सबने बड़े-बड़े यज्ञ किये थे और उनमें प्रचुर दक्षिणाएँ दी थीं इति श्रीमहाभारते भीष्मपर्वणि श्रीमद्धगवद्गीतापर्वणि सैन्यवर्णने षोडशो<ध्याय: ।। १६ || इस प्रकार श्रीमहाभारत भीष्मपर्वके अन्तर्गत श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतापर्वमें सैन्यवर्णणविषयक सोलहवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ

Sañjaya said: Among the Kaurava host there were ten lion-like warriors—mighty kṣatriyas—each commanding an entire akṣauhiṇī division: Śrutāyudha, Kālidra, King Jayatsena, Bṛhaddhala of Kośala, Kṛtavarmā of the Sātvatas, Śakuni the son of Subala, Śalya, Jayadratha the lord of Sindhu, the brothers Vinda and Anuvinda, the princes of Kekaya, and Sudakṣiṇa the king of Kāmboja. Their arms appeared thick like iron bars, and all were renowned as performers of great sacrifices, giving abundant gifts as sacrificial fees. Thus the narrative underscores a moral tension central to the war: worldly merit and ritual generosity do not by themselves prevent one from being drawn into an unrighteous conflict when allegiance and ambition override discernment.

Verse 17

दशैते पुरुषव्याप्रा: शूरा परिघबाहव: । अक्षौहिणीनां पतयो यज्वानो भूरिदक्षिणा:,सुबलपुत्र शकुनि, शल्य, स्विन्धुनरेश जयद्रथ, विन्द-अनुविन्द, केकयराजकुमार, काम्बोजराज सुदक्षिण, कलिंगराज श्रुतायुध, राजा जयत्सेन, कोशलनरेश बृहद्वधल तथा भोजवंशी कृतवर्मा--ये दस पुरुषसिंह शूरवीर क्षत्रिय एक-एक अक्षौहिणी सेनाके अधिनायक थे। इनकी भुजाएँ परिघोंके समान मोटी दिखायी देती थीं। इन सबने बड़े-बड़े यज्ञ किये थे और उनमें प्रचुर दक्षिणाएँ दी थीं

Sañjaya said: These ten energetic men—heroes with arms like iron clubs—were commanders of armies, each the lord of an akṣauhiṇī. They were sacrificers who had performed great rites and bestowed abundant gifts as priestly fees. In the ethical frame of the epic, the verse underscores the paradox of the Kurukṣetra war: men renowned for valor and public piety now stand as leaders in a conflict that will test the very dharma their sacrifices were meant to uphold.

Verse 18

एते चान्ये च बहवो दुर्योधनवशानुगा: । राजानो राजपुत्राश्न नीतिमन्तो महारथा:

Sañjaya said: “These, and many others besides, are kings and royal princes—men of policy and great chariot-warriors—who have come under Duryodhana’s control and follow his command.”

Verse 19

संनद्धा: समदृश्यन्त स्वेष्वनीकेष्ववस्थिता: । ये तथा और भी बहुत-से नीतिज्ञ महारथी राजा और राजकुमार दुर्योधनके वशमें रहकर कवच आदिसे सुसज्जित हो अपनी-अपनी सेनाओंमें खड़े दिखायी देते थे || १८ इ || बद्धकृष्णाजिना: सर्वे बलिनो युद्धशालिन:,इन सबने काले मृगचर्म बाँध रखे थे। सभी बलवान्‌ और युद्धभूमिमें सुशोभित होनेवाले थे और सबने दुर्योधनके हितके लिये बड़े हर्ष और उल्लासके साथ ब्रह्मलोककी दीक्षा ली थी। ये सामर्थ्यशाली दस वीर अपने सेनापतित्वमें दस सेनाओंको लेकर युद्धके लिये तैयार खड़े थे

Sañjaya said: “They appeared fully armed, standing firm in their own battle-formations. Thus, many other expert strategists—great chariot-warriors, kings and princes—remaining under Duryodhana’s command, were seen stationed in their respective divisions, equipped with armor and weapons, ready for the coming conflict.”

Verse 20

हृष्टा दुर्योधनस्यार्थे ब्रह्मलोकाय दीक्षिता: । समर्था दश वाहिन्य: परिगृहय व्यवस्थिता:,इन सबने काले मृगचर्म बाँध रखे थे। सभी बलवान्‌ और युद्धभूमिमें सुशोभित होनेवाले थे और सबने दुर्योधनके हितके लिये बड़े हर्ष और उल्लासके साथ ब्रह्मलोककी दीक्षा ली थी। ये सामर्थ्यशाली दस वीर अपने सेनापतित्वमें दस सेनाओंको लेकर युद्धके लिये तैयार खड़े थे

Sañjaya said: “Rejoicing for Duryodhana’s cause, they had taken a solemn vow aimed at attaining Brahmaloka. Mighty in strength, they stood ready for battle, each having taken charge of a division of troops—ten capable leaders commanding ten armies, prepared to fight for his interest.”

Verse 21

एकादशी धार्तराष्ट्रा कौरवाणां महाचमू: । अग्रतः सर्वसैन्यानां यत्र शान्तनवो5ग्रणी:,ग्यारहवीं विशाल वाहिनी दुर्योधनकी थी, जिनमें अधिकांश कौरव-योद्धा थे। यह कौरव-सेना अन्य सब सेनाओंके आगे खड़ी थी। इसके अधिनायक थे शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्म

Sañjaya said: “The Kauravas’ great host, belonging to the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, formed the eleventh division. It stood at the very front of all the armies, and at its head was Śāntanu’s son Bhīṣma—an emblem of disciplined command and the grave moral weight of elders leading a war among kin.”

Verse 22

श्वेतोष्णीषं श्वेतहयं श्वेतवर्माणमच्युतम्‌ । अपश्याम महाराज भीष्म॑ चन्द्रमिवोदितम्‌,उनके सिरपर सफेद पगड़ी शोभा पाती थी। उनके घोड़े भी सफेद ही थे। उन्होंने अपने अंगोंमें श्वेत कवच बाँध रखा था। महाराज! मर्यादासे कभी पीछे न हटनेवाले उन भीष्मजीको मैंने अपनी श्वेतकान्तिके कारण नवोदित चन्द्रमाके समान सुशोभित देखा

Sañjaya said: “O great king, I saw Bhīṣma—his turban white, his horses white, and his armor white—shining forth like the newly risen moon. Thus arrayed in spotless brightness, that steadfast guardian of propriety appeared radiant on the battlefield.”

Verse 23

हेमतालध्वजं भीष्म॑ राजते स्यन्दने स्थितम्‌ | श्वेताभ्र इव तीक्ष्णांशुं ददृशु: कुरुपाण्डवा:

Sañjaya said: Bhīṣma, standing upon his chariot with a banner gleaming like gold, shone forth. The Kurus and the Pāṇḍavas beheld him as one would behold the sharp-rayed sun emerging amid white clouds—an awe-inspiring sight that signals the formidable moral and martial weight of the elder entering the battle’s forefront.

Verse 24

सृंजयाश्च महेष्वासा धृष्टद्युम्नपुरोगमा: । भीष्मजी चाँदीके बने हुए सुन्दर रथपर विराजमान थे। उनकी तालचिह्रित स्वर्णमयी ध्वजा आकाशमें फहरा रही थी। उस समय कौरवों, पाण्डवों तथा धृष्टद्युम्न आदि महाधनुर्धर सूंजयवंशियोंने उन्हें सफेद बादलोंमें छिपे हुए सूर्यदेवके समान देखा || २३ ६ || जृम्भमाणं महासिंहं दृष्टवा क्षुद्रमृगा यथा

The great bowmen of the Sṛñjayas, led by Dhṛṣṭadyumna, advanced. Bhīṣma sat in splendor upon a beautiful chariot, and his golden banner marked with the tāla emblem streamed across the sky. Then the Kauravas, the Pāṇḍavas, and the mighty Sṛñjaya archers such as Dhṛṣṭadyumna beheld him like the sun half-hidden among white clouds.

Verse 25

धृष्टद्युम्नमुखा: सर्वे समुद्विविजिरे मुहुः । धृष्टद्युम्न आदि सूंजयवंशी उन्हें देखकर बारंबार उद्विग्न हो उठते थे। ठीक उसी तरह, जैसे मुँह बाये हुए विशाल सिंहको देखकर क्षुद्र मृग भयसे व्याकुल हो उठते हैं || २४ ई ।। एकादशैता: श्रीजुष्टा वाहिन्यस्तव पार्थिव

Sañjaya said: All those led by Dhṛṣṭadyumna repeatedly grew agitated and alarmed. Seeing him, they were thrown into fear again and again—like small deer that become frantic at the sight of a huge lion with gaping jaws.

Verse 26

उन्मत्तमकरावर्तो महाग्राहसमाकुलौ

Sañjaya said: The battlefield was like a raging whirlpool of maddened crocodiles—churning, turbulent, and crowded with great alligators—an image for the war’s uncontrollable violence and the peril that engulfs all who enter it.

Verse 27

नैव नस्तादृशो राजन दृष्टपूर्वो न च श्रुत: । अनीकानां समेतानां कौरवाणां तथाविध:,राजन्‌! कौरवोंकी इतनी बड़ी सेनाका वैसा संगठन मैंने पहले कभी न तो देखा था और नसुना ही था

Sañjaya said: O King, never before have I seen—nor have I even heard of—such an arrangement as this: the Kaurava forces, gathered in their many divisions, drawn up in so formidable and ordered a formation. The remark underscores the extraordinary scale and discipline of the host, and hints at the grave ethical weight of a war in which such power is being marshalled.

Verse 256

पाण्डवानां तथा सप्त महापुरुषपालिता: । भूपाल! आपकी ये ग्यारह अक्षौहिणी सेनाएँ तथा पाण्डवोंकी सात अक्षौहिणी सेनाएँ वीर पुरुषोंसे सुरक्षित हो उत्तम शोभासे सम्पन्न दिखायी देती थीं

Sañjaya said: O king, your eleven akṣauhiṇīs and likewise the Pandavas’ seven akṣauhiṇīs—each guarded by great heroes—appeared well-protected and resplendent. The scene shows that an army’s might lies not only in numbers, but in the quality of its leaders and the valor that upholds it on the brink of a dharma-testing war.

Verse 263

चुगान्ते समवेतौ द्वौ दृश्येते सागराविव । वे दोनों सेनाएँ प्रलयकालमें एक-दूसरेसे मिलनेवाले उन दो समुद्रोंके समान दृष्टिगोचर हो रही थीं, जिनमें मतवाले मगर और भँवरें होती हैं तथा जिनमें बड़े-बड़े ग्राह सब ओर फैले रहते हैं

Sañjaya said: At the close of the day, the two armies, gathered face to face, appeared like two oceans meeting at the time of dissolution—turbulent, filled with whirlpools and fierce sea-creatures—foretelling a clash vast, uncontrollable, and ruinous in its moral and human cost.