Shloka 20
भीष्मसेनासंनिवेशः — Bhīṣma’s Mobilization, Omens, and the Kaurava Array
स तु गोवासन: शैब्य: सहित: सर्वराजभि: । ययौ मातड्राजेन राजार्हेण पताकिना । पद्मवर्णस्त्वनीकानां सर्वेषामग्रत: स्थित:
sa tu govāsanaḥ śaibyaḥ sahitaḥ sarvarājabhiḥ | yayau mātaḍrājena rājārheṇa patākinā | padmavarṇas tv anīkānāṃ sarveṣām agrataḥ sthitaḥ ||
Śaibya, yang mengenakan pakaian dari kulit sapi, maju bersama semua raja; bersamanya pula Mātaḍrāja sang pembawa panji, kesatria yang layak menerima kehormatan raja. Berkilau laksana warna teratai, ia berdiri di barisan terdepan dari seluruh formasi.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of disciplined leadership in war: a commander or leading warrior stands at the forefront, visibly bearing responsibility, supported by allies and proper insignia of duty (banner/standard), emphasizing order, courage, and accountability amid conflict.
Sañjaya describes a warrior-king named Śaibya advancing with the assembled kings. He is accompanied by Mātaḍrāja, who carries a banner and is described as worthy of royal honor. Śaibya, lotus-hued, is positioned at the very front of the army formations as the forces move into battle.