Shloka 18
भीष्मसेनासंनिवेशः — Bhīṣma’s Mobilization, Omens, and the Kaurava Array
तालेन महता भीष्म: पञ्चतारेण केतुना । विमलादित्यसंकाशस्तस्थौ कुरुचमूपरि
tālena mahatā bhīṣmaḥ pañcatāreṇa ketunā | vimalādityasaṅkāśas tasthau kurucamūpari ||
महान ताड़-चिह्न और पाँच तारों से युक्त केतु (ध्वजा) वाले रथ पर भीष्म कुरु-सेना के ऊपर स्थित थे; वे निर्मल सूर्य के समान तेजस्वी दीख रहे थे।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of role-duty (svadharma) in a war setting: Bhīṣma, as the appointed commander, embodies steadiness, authority, and readiness to bear responsibility. The sun-like radiance and prominent emblems underscore how leadership is publicly signified and how a commander’s presence shapes the morale and order of an army.
Sañjaya narrates to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma has taken his position over the Kuru forces, seated/standing on his chariot distinguished by a great palm emblem and a five-star banner. He appears brilliantly radiant, marking him as the principal सेनापति (chief commander) of the Kaurava army as the battle is about to proceed.