Shloka 12
Sainyasaṅgraha and Bhāga-Vyavasthā (Forces Assembled and Rival Allocations) | सैन्यसंग्रह-भागव्यवस्था
भीष्म: शान्तनवो राजन् भाग: क्लृप्त: शिखण्डिन: । तं॑ विराटोडनुसंयाता सार्थ मत्स्यै: प्रहारिभि:,राजन! शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्मजीके वधका कार्य शिखण्डीको सौंपा गया है। राजा विराट मत्स्यदेशीय योद्धाओंके साथ शिखण्डीकी सहायताके लिये उसका अनुसरण करेंगे
bhīṣmaḥ śāntanavo rājan bhāgaḥ klṛptaḥ śikhaṇḍinaḥ | taṃ virāṭo 'nusamyātā sārthaṃ matsyaiḥ prahāribhiḥ ||
Sanjaya said: “O King, the task of slaying Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, has been assigned to Shikhandin. King Virata, accompanied by the striking warriors of Matsya, will follow him in support.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights role-allocation in dharmic warfare: responsibilities are deliberately assigned according to circumstance and capability, and allies coordinate to support a designated agent. It also reflects the ethical tension of confronting an invincible elder through a specific, pre-arranged means.
Sanjaya reports the planned arrangement: Shikhandin is designated as the key figure for Bhishma’s downfall, and King Virata, along with Matsya fighters, will accompany and support Shikhandin in that effort.