Shloka 7
कुरुक्षेत्रे सेनानिवेशवृत्तान्तः — Dhṛtarāṣṭra Questions Saṃjaya on the Deployed Armies
पर्याक्रामत सैन्यानि यत्तास्तिष्ठत दंशिता:,“तुम सब लोग सब ओर घूम-फिरकर अपनी सेनाओंका निरीक्षण करो और कवच आदिसे सुसज्जित होकर खड़े हो जाओ। सबसे पहले पितामह भीष्मसे तुम्हारा युद्ध होगा। इसलिये अपनी सात अक्षौहिणी सेनाओंके सेनापतियोंकी देखभाल कर लो”
vaiśampāyana uvāca | paryākrāmat sainyāni yattās tiṣṭhata daṃśitāḥ |
Vaiśampāyana said: “Move about on all sides and inspect the troops; then, fully armed and armored, stand ready. Your first engagement will be against Grandfather Bhīṣma; therefore, ensure the proper oversight and readiness of the commanders of your seven akṣauhiṇīs.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes disciplined preparedness and responsible command: before entering a morally weighty conflict—especially against a revered elder like Bhīṣma—leaders must ensure order, equipment, and clear oversight of commanders, so that action is guided by duty rather than chaos.
A directive is issued to circulate through the ranks, inspect the forces, and stand fully armed. It notes that the first major confrontation will be with Bhīṣma, and therefore the commanders of the seven akṣauhiṇīs must be properly attended to and made ready.