Shloka 56
भीमसेनस्य प्रतिघातः—भगदत्तगजप्रहारः—घटोत्कचमायायुद्धम्
Bhīma’s Counteroffensive, Bhagadatta’s Elephant Assault, and Ghaṭotkaca’s Māyā Engagement
जयद्रथेन सहिता ग्रीवायां संनिवेशिता: । आर्य! भूरिश्रवा
jayadrathena sahitā grīvāyāṃ saṃniveśitāḥ | ārya bhūriśravāḥ śalaḥ śalyaś ca bhagadattaś ca—ete jayadrathena saha grīvābhāge sthāpitāḥ | ebhiḥ saha madra-sindhu-sauvīra-pañcanada-deśīyā yodhā api āsan |
Sanjaya reports that Jayadratha was positioned at the ‘neck’ sector of the battle formation, accompanied by prominent warriors—Bhūrishravas, Śala, Śalya, and Bhagadatta. Alongside them stood fighters from the regions of Madra, Sindhu, Sauvīra, and the land of the five rivers. The passage underscores how the Kaurava side deliberately reinforced a crucial point in the array with renowned leaders and regional contingents, highlighting the calculated organization of war and the moral weight of collective alignment in a righteous conflict.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, outcomes are shaped by deliberate organization and by whom one chooses to stand with. The verse implicitly points to ethical accountability in alliances: renowned leaders and regional forces collectively reinforce a critical point, showing how shared intent and alignment carry moral consequence.
Sanjaya describes the Kaurava-side deployment within a battle-array: Jayadratha and several notable warriors are stationed at the ‘neck’ sector, supported by troops from Madra, Sindhu, Sauvīra, and Pañcanada—indicating a fortified, strategically important position.