Shloka 42
भीष्मरक्षण-प्रकरणम् / The Protective Screen around Bhīṣma and the Śalya–Yudhiṣṭhira Clash
मातुलः शकुनि: शल्य: कृपो द्रोणो विविंशति: । यत्ता रक्षन्तु गाड़ेयं तस्मिन् गुप्ते ध्रुवोी जय:
mātulaḥ śakuniḥ śalyaḥ kṛpo droṇo viviṁśatiḥ | yattā rakṣantu gāṅgeyaṁ tasmin guptē dhruvo jayaḥ ||
मामा शकुनी, शल्य, कृपाचार्य, द्रोणाचार्य आणि विविंशती—हे सर्व सावध राहून गंगानंदन भीष्मांचे रक्षण करो; ते सुरक्षित राहिले तर आपला विजय निश्चित आहे.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the ethics of war and governance, safeguarding the principal leader is treated as a paramount duty because collective success and stability depend on disciplined protection of the one who anchors the army’s morale and strategy.
Sanjaya reports a directive that key Kaurava warriors—Shakuni, Shalya, Kripa, Drona, and Vivimshati—should stay vigilant and protect Bhishma (Gangeya), asserting that the Kauravas’ victory is certain if Bhishma remains secure.