Shloka 28
Adhyāya 78 — Bhīṣma’s Advance, Duryodhana’s Rally, and Concurrent Duels (भीष्मस्याभ्युद्यमः, दुर्योधनस्योत्साहवचनम्, विविधयुद्धवर्णनम्)
तथा भीष्मकृपद्रोणशल्यदुर्योधनादिभि: । तवापि च बभौ सेना ग्रहैद्यौरिव संवृता,इसी प्रकार भीष्म, कृपाचार्य, द्रोणाचार्य, शल्य और दुर्योधन आदिसे घिरी हुई आपकी सेना ग्रहोंसे आकाशकी भाँति शोभा पा रही थी
tathā bhīṣma-kṛpa-droṇa-śalya-duryodhanādibhiḥ | tavāpi ca babhau senā grahair dyaur iva saṃvṛtā ||
Sañjaya said: “In the same way, your army too shone forth—encircled by Bhīṣma, Kṛpa, Droṇa, Śalya, Duryodhana, and the rest—like the sky surrounded by the planets.” The image suggests that the Kaurava host draws splendor and confidence from being ringed by renowned elders and champions, even as the war’s moral weight remains unresolved beneath outward brilliance.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Outer brilliance—an army ‘shining’ with famous commanders—does not by itself settle the question of dharma. The verse highlights how prestige and strength can create an aura of legitimacy, yet ethical rightness must be judged by conduct and justice, not merely by the presence of celebrated elders and heroes.
Sañjaya describes to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the appearance of the Kaurava forces: they look splendid because they are surrounded by eminent warriors such as Bhīṣma, Kṛpa, Droṇa, Śalya, and Duryodhana—just as the sky appears adorned when encircled by the planets.