Shloka 3
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
ततो दुर्योधनो राजा सोदर्य: परिवारित: । सौमदत्तिं रणे यत्त: समन्तात् पर्यवारयत्,यह देख भाइयोंसहित राजा दुर्योधनने युद्धके लिये उद्यत होकर भूरिश्रवाको चारों ओरसे घेरकर उसकी रक्षामें तत्पर हो गये
tato duryodhano rājā sodaryaḥ parivāritaḥ | saumadattiṁ raṇe yattaḥ samantāt paryavārayat ||
Then King Duryodhana, surrounded by his own brothers, advanced in the battle and, from all sides, formed a protective ring around Saumadatti (Bhūriśravas), intent on guarding him. The scene underscores the fierce loyalties of war—kinship and factional duty compelling men to shield their own even amid a morally fraught conflict.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, loyalty to one’s side and kinship bonds drive protective action. It invites reflection on dharma under pressure: even when the larger cause is ethically contested, warriors often act from immediate obligations—guarding allies and fulfilling factional duty.
Sanjaya reports that Duryodhana, accompanied by his brothers, moves forward in the fight and encircles Saumadatti (Bhūrishravas) from all directions, effectively shielding him and standing ready to defend him on the battlefield.