Shloka 22
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
एष भीष्म तथा द्रोणं गौतमं शल्यमेव च । अनुमान्य गुरून् सर्वान् योत्स्यते पार्थिवोडरिभि:,'ये राजा युधिष्ठिर भीष्म, द्रोणाचार्य, कृपाचार्य और शल्य--इन समस्त गुरुजनोंसे आज्ञा लेकर शत्रुओंके साथ युद्ध करेंगे
eṣa bhīṣmaṃ tathā droṇaṃ gautamaṃ śalyam eva ca | anumānya gurūn sarvān yotsyate pārthivo 'ribhiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “This king, having first paid due respect and sought the assent of all his elders and teachers—Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Gautama (Kṛpa), and Śalya—will now engage in battle against his foes.” The verse underscores the tension between reverence for gurus and the inexorable duty of kingship in war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid warfare, dharma requires honoring elders and teachers; the king proceeds to battle only after showing reverence and seeking the assent of revered gurus, highlighting the ethical weight of authority, tradition, and duty.
Sañjaya reports that the king is about to fight the enemy, but first he respectfully acknowledges senior warriors—Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa (Gautama), and Śalya—treating them as gurus whose approval and blessing are sought before action.