Shloka 12
भीष्मपतनविषये धृतराष्ट्रस्य प्रश्नाः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Questions on Bhīṣma’s Fall
दुःशासन रथास्तूर्ण युज्यन्तां भीष्मरक्षिण: | अनीकानि च सर्वाणि शीघ्र त्वमनुचोदय,“दुःशासन! तुम भीष्मजीकी रक्षा करनेवाले रथोंको शीघ्र तैयार कराओ। सम्पूर्ण सेनाओंको भी शीघ्र उनकी रक्षाके लिये तैयार हो जानेकी आज्ञा दो
sañjaya uvāca | duḥśāsana rathās tūrṇaṃ yujyantāṃ bhīṣmarakṣiṇaḥ | anīkāni ca sarvāṇi śīghraṃ tvam anucodaya ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Duḥśāsana, suruh pasangkan kuda pada rata yang ditugaskan mengawal Bhīṣma dengan segera. Dan gesa semua formasi pertempuran bergerak pantas—perintahkan mereka bersiap tanpa berlengah demi perlindungannya.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethic of organized responsibility in war: safeguarding the commander (Bhīṣma) and ensuring disciplined, prompt execution of orders. It underscores that power and leadership in battle require coordinated protection and readiness, not mere valor.
Sañjaya reports an urgent command directed to Duḥśāsana: immediately prepare the chariots assigned to Bhīṣma’s defense and press all military divisions to assemble swiftly for protecting Bhīṣma amid the unfolding battle.