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 ।। एते प्राधान्यतो राजन् पाण्डवस्य महात्मन: । रथाश्चातिरथाश्रैव ये चान्येडर्थरथा नूप
ete prādhānyato rājan pāṇḍavasya mahātmanaḥ | rathāś cātirathāś caiva ye cānye ’rdharathā nṛpa ||
Bhīṣma dit : «Ô roi, voici, pour l’essentiel, les plus illustres champions rassemblés ici pour le noble Pāṇḍava (Yudhiṣṭhira). On y compte de grands guerriers de char, des héros “d’une puissance démesurée” (atiratha), ainsi que d’autres combattants capables du rang de “demi-char” ; ils viennent de maints royaumes, et Kṛṣṇa y tient la place la plus haute.»
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.