Shloka 23
भीष्मरक्षण-उद्योगः, शिखण्डि-विवर्जनं, सर्वतोभद्र-व्यूहः
Protection of Bhīṣma, Exemption of Śikhaṇḍin, and the Sarvatobhadra Array
द्रोणश्न॒ सोमदत्तश्न बाह्लीको5थ जयद्रथ: । कृपो भूरिश्रवा: शल्य आवन्त्य: सबृहदूबल:,द्रोणाचार्य, सोमदत्त, बाह्नलीक, जयद्रथ, कृपाचार्य, भूरिश्रवा, शल्य, अवन्तीका राजकुमार, बृहदबल, अअश्रवत्थामा, विकर्ण, चित्रसेन, विविंशति तथा उनके अनुयायी अनेक सहस्र रथी--ये सब लोग राक्षसके द्वारा आक्रान्त हुए आपके पुत्र दुर्योधनकी रक्षा करनेके लिये गये। उन महारथियोंसे पालित होकर वह सेना अजेय हो गयी
sañjaya uvāca |
droṇaś ca somadattaś ca bāhlīko 'tha jayadrathaḥ |
kṛpaḥ bhūriśravāḥ śalya āvantyaḥ sa bṛhadbalaḥ ||
Sanjaya said: Drona, Somadatta, the Bahlika king, and Jayadratha; Kripa, Bhurishravas, Shalya, the prince of Avanti, and also Brihadbala—these renowned warriors (and, as the narrative continues, others with their followers) advanced to protect Duryodhana, who was being assailed by a fierce, rakshasa-like onslaught. Guarded and supported by such great chariot-fighters, the Kaurava host became exceedingly difficult to overcome, illustrating how collective resolve and elite leadership can temporarily fortify an unrighteous cause even amid moral peril.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how formidable strength can arise from unity and eminent leadership; ethically, it also suggests that prowess and solidarity can bolster even a flawed cause, reminding readers to examine not only power but the righteousness (dharma) of what that power serves.
Sanjaya lists leading Kaurava-aligned warriors who move to defend Duryodhana amid a dangerous assault; their presence and protection make the Kaurava formation appear nearly unconquerable.