Shloka 13
भीष्मभीमसमागमः — Bhīṣma–Bhīma Strategic Engagement and Counsel to the King
सम्पूर्ण योधमुख्यैश्न तथा दन्तिपदातिभि: । रथैरनेकसाहस्रै: समन्तात् परिवारितम्,वह व्यूह हाथी और पैदल आदि मुख्य-मुख्य योद्धाओंसे भरा हुआ था। कई सहस्र रथोंने उसे सब ओरसे घेर रखा था
sampūrṇaṃ yodhamukhyaiś ca tathā dantipādātibhiḥ | rathair anekasāhasraiḥ samantāt parivāritam ||
Sañjaya said: The battle-formation was completely filled with foremost warriors, along with elephants and infantry; and it was encircled on every side by many thousands of chariots—presenting a densely packed, well-guarded array that signaled disciplined martial organization and the grave resolve of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the organized, collective nature of warfare: a formation becomes formidable through disciplined coordination of different arms (elephants, infantry, chariots) and protective encirclement—implying that power in conflict is amplified by order, preparedness, and unity rather than mere individual valor.
Sañjaya is reporting to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the appearance of a battle-array: it is densely filled with leading fighters and supported by elephants and foot-soldiers, while thousands of chariots surround it on all sides, indicating a carefully defended and imposing formation.