Shloka 116
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय 18: सेनानिनादः, ध्वज-दीप्तिः, भीष्मरक्षण-व्यवस्था च
Battle Muster: Soundscape, Banners, and the Protection of Bhīṣma
रथा विंशतिसाहस्रास्तथैषामनुयायिन: । सेनाके मुहानेपर खड़े हुए
sañjaya uvāca |
rathā viṃśatisāhasrās tathaiṣām anuyāyinaḥ |
Sañjaya said: “There were twenty thousand chariots, along with their followers. These warriors—mighty archers with large, bull-like eyes—stood at the very front of the army, lending it splendor. O king, guarding Bhīṣma’s rear were your sons and their allies—Duḥśāsana, Durviṣaha, Durmukha, Duḥsaha, Viviṃśati, Citrasena, the great chariot-warrior Vikarṇa, Satyavrata, Purumitra, Jaya, Bhūriśravas, Śala—and the twenty thousand chariot-fighters who followed them.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-duty expressed as disciplined protection of one’s commander: valor is shown not only in attack but in guarding the vulnerable rear, emphasizing loyalty, organization, and responsibility within warfare.
Sañjaya reports to the king the Kaurava deployment: a large chariot force stands at the army’s front, while Bhīṣma’s rear is protected by Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s sons and named allies, indicating a structured battle formation around Bhīṣma’s command.