Shloka 116
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय 18: सेनानिनादः, ध्वज-दीप्तिः, भीष्मरक्षण-व्यवस्था च
Battle Muster: Soundscape, Banners, and the Protection of Bhīṣma
रथा विंशतिसाहस्रास्तथैषामनुयायिन: । सेनाके मुहानेपर खड़े हुए
sañjaya uvāca |
rathā viṃśatisāhasrās tathaiṣām anuyāyinaḥ |
Ada dua puluh ribu kereta perang beserta para pengikutnya. Di garis terdepan pasukan berdiri para kesatria pemanah agung itu—bermata lebar laksana banteng—menambah semarak dan wibawa bala tentara. Wahai Raja, yang menjaga bagian belakang Bhīṣma adalah putra-putramu beserta sekutu mereka—Duḥśāsana, Durviṣaha, Durmukha, Duḥsaha, Viviṃśati, Citrasena, maharathi Vikarṇa, Satyavrata, Purumitra, Jaya, Bhūriśravas, Śala—serta dua puluh ribu prajurit kereta yang mengikuti mereka.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-duty expressed as disciplined protection of one’s commander: valor is shown not only in attack but in guarding the vulnerable rear, emphasizing loyalty, organization, and responsibility within warfare.
Sañjaya reports to the king the Kaurava deployment: a large chariot force stands at the army’s front, while Bhīṣma’s rear is protected by Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s sons and named allies, indicating a structured battle formation around Bhīṣma’s command.