Shloka 28
धृतराष्ट्र-संजय-संवादः — सैन्यप्रशंसा, भेदनवृत्तान्त-प्रश्नः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya Dialogue: Praise of the Host and Inquiry after the Breach
तेषां च पृष्ठतो राजा बलेन महता वृतः । जयद्रथस्ततो राजा सूचीपाशश्वे व्यवस्थित:,उनके पीछे विशाल सेनाके साथ स्वयं राजा जयद्रथ सूचीव्यूहके पार्श्रभागमें खड़ा था
teṣāṃ ca pṛṣṭhato rājā balena mahatā vṛtaḥ | jayadrathas tato rājā sūcīpāśaśve vyavasthitaḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : «Derrière eux, le roi Jayadratha —entouré d’une grande force— prit position sur le flanc de la formation Sūcī (l’Aiguille).»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how power in warfare is exercised through organization and support structures: a leader’s effectiveness depends on strategic placement and the backing of a large force. Ethically, it points to the reality that outcomes are shaped by collective arrangements and calculated positioning, not only by individual heroism.
Sañjaya describes the Kaurava deployment: King Jayadratha, accompanied by a large army, stands behind the main body and specifically on the flank of the Sūcī (needle) battle formation, indicating a guarded, supportive, and potentially obstructive tactical role.