Shloka 226
भीष्मसेनासंनिवेशः — Bhīṣma’s Mobilization, Omens, and the Kaurava Array
स्यन्दनैर्वरवर्माणो भीष्मस्यासन् पुरोगमा: । श्रुतायुध
sañjaya uvāca | syandanair varavarmāṇo bhīṣmasyāsan purogamāḥ | śrutāyudhaś citrasenaḥ purumitraḥ viviṁśatiḥ śalyaḥ bhūriśravā tathā mahārathī vikarṇaḥ—ete sapta mahādhanurdharā vīrā rathoparī ārūḍhāḥ sundara-kavaca-dhāriṇaḥ droṇaputram aśvatthāmānam ātmanaḥ purataḥ kṛtvā bhīṣmasya purastāt purastāc ceruḥ ||
Sañjaya said: In front of Bhishma moved a vanguard of charioteers clad in splendid armor. Shrutayudha, Chitrasena, Purumitra, Vivimshati, Shalya, Bhurishravas, and the great chariot-warrior Vikarna—these seven mighty bowmen, mounted on their chariots and wearing fine cuirasses, advanced ahead of Bhishma, placing Drona’s son Ashvatthama before them as they went. The scene underscores the deliberate ordering of command and protection in war: senior authority is honored, while formidable fighters are positioned to shield and project power.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethics of martial order: honoring senior command (Bhishma) while arranging capable protectors and forward fighters. It reflects kshatriya discipline—strategy, protection of leaders, and coordinated action rather than impulsive violence.
Sanjaya describes a Kaurava advance: seven renowned chariot-warriors in fine armor ride ahead of Bhishma as a vanguard, with Ashvatthama positioned prominently at the front, indicating a deliberate battle formation and the prominence of key fighters.