Shloka 13
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय 18: सेनानिनादः, ध्वज-दीप्तिः, भीष्मरक्षण-व्यवस्था च
Battle Muster: Soundscape, Banners, and the Protection of Bhīṣma
शाल्वा मत्स्यास्तथाम्बष्ठास्त्रैगर्ता: केकयास्तथा । सौवीरा: कैतवाः प्राच्या: प्रतीच्योदीच्यवासिन:
sálvā matsyās tathāmbaṣṭhās traigartāḥ kekayās tathā | sauvīrāḥ kaitavāḥ prācyāḥ pratīcyodīcyavāsinaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: The Śālvas, the Matsyas, the Ambaṣṭhas, the Trigartas, and the Kekayas; likewise the Sauvīras and the Kaitavas; and the warriors dwelling in the eastern, western, and northern regions—all these were standing ready to lay down their bodies (their very lives), and with a vast ocean of chariots they were guarding Grandfather Bhīṣma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the warrior-ethic of dharma in battle: allied peoples accept personal risk—even death—to protect a revered commander (Bhīṣma). It frames loyalty and duty as collective responsibilities, especially toward elders and leaders in a righteous military order.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that multiple janapadas—named groups from various regions—have assembled in large numbers, especially with chariots, and are forming a protective screen around Bhīṣma on the battlefield.