Shloka 37
भीष्मसेनासंनिवेशः — Bhīṣma’s Mobilization, Omens, and the Kaurava Array
गजस्कन्धगतावास्तां भगदत्तेन सम्मितौ । विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ केतुमन्तमनुव्रती
gajaskandhagatāv āstāṃ bhagadattena sammitau | vindānuvindāv āvantyau ketumantam anuvratī ||
Sañjaya said: Mounted upon the shoulders of mighty elephants, Vindā and Anuvindā of Avanti—matched in prowess with Bhagadatta—advanced to battle, following in the wake of Ketumān. The scene underscores how kings and princes, bound by allegiance and martial duty, move in ordered ranks toward war, their personal valor expressed through loyal adherence to their leader’s course.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya ethos in wartime: personal prowess is joined to disciplined allegiance. Valor is shown not only by strength (elephant-mounted advance) but also by orderly following of one’s commander, reflecting duty-bound participation in the larger formation.
Sañjaya describes battlefield movement: Vindā and Anuvindā, princes of Avanti, ride elephants and proceed to war. They are said to be comparable to Bhagadatta in might and are depicted as following behind Ketumān in the advancing ranks.