Shloka 70
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
भीष्मस्य तद् वच: श्रुत्वा सर्व एव महारथा: । द्रोणभीष्मौ पुरस्कृत्य भगदत्तपरीप्सया
bhīṣmasya tad vacaḥ śrutvā sarva eva mahārathāḥ | droṇabhīṣmau puraskṛtya bhagadatta-parīpsayā
Sañjaya said: Hearing Bhīṣma’s words, all the great chariot-warriors, placing Droṇa and Bhīṣma at their head, moved forward with the intent of securing (and protecting) Bhagadatta—showing how, in the midst of war, the army’s conduct is shaped by obedience to senior counsel and by strategic concern for a valued ally.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in warfare, action is framed by adherence to senior guidance and disciplined hierarchy: the warriors respond to Bhīṣma’s counsel, organize under recognized leaders (Droṇa and Bhīṣma), and act with strategic responsibility toward an ally (Bhagadatta).
After hearing Bhīṣma’s statement, the assembled elite fighters collectively advance, putting Droṇa and Bhīṣma in the forefront, motivated by the aim of securing/protecting Bhagadatta within the unfolding battle formation.