Shloka 9
Amba’s Disclosure of Prior Choice (Śālva) and Appeal to Bhīṣma — Chapter 171
ये तथा और भी बहुत-से वीर क्षत्रिय जो विभिन्न जनपदोंके स्वामी हैं और जिनमें श्रीकृष्णका सबसे प्रधान स्थान है, पाण्डुनन्दन युधिष्ठिरके लिये यहाँ एकत्र हुए हैं ।।
ete prādhānyato rājan pāṇḍavasya mahātmanaḥ | rathāś cātirathāś caiva ye cānye ’rdharathā nṛpa ||
Bhīṣma said: “O King, these are, in the main, the foremost champions who have assembled here for the noble Pāṇḍava (Yudhiṣṭhira). They include great chariot-warriors and even ‘over-mighty’ heroes (atirathas), as well as other capable fighters of the ‘half-chariot’ rank—men of many realms, with Kṛṣṇa holding the highest place among them.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores discernment in leadership and counsel: Bhīṣma classifies the assembled supporters by prominence and martial capacity, while ethically highlighting that true preeminence is not merely military—Kṛṣṇa’s foremost place signals the primacy of wise guidance and dharmic alignment in political and war decisions.
In Udyoga Parva’s pre-war diplomacy and preparations, Bhīṣma is describing to the king the principal warriors who have gathered in support of Yudhiṣṭhira. He notes their ranks (ratha, atiratha, ardharatha) and indicates that among them Kṛṣṇa is regarded as the most eminent.