Shloka 31
भीष्मसेनासंनिवेशः — Bhīṣma’s Mobilization, Omens, and the Kaurava Array
तत्सिन्धुपतिना राज्ञा पालितं ध्वजिनीमुखम् । अनन्तरथनागाश्चवमशोभत महद् बलम्,सिन्धुराजके द्वारा सुरक्षित अनन्त रथ, हाथी और घोड़ोंसे भरी हुई वह विशाल सेना अद्भुत शोभा पा रही थी
tatsindhupatinā rājñā pālitaṃ dhvajinīmukham | anantarathanāgāś ca aśvamaśobhata mahad balam ||
Sañjaya berkata: Dilindungi oleh raja Sindhu, barisan hadapan bala tentera itu terpelihara; dan angkatan besar itu—dipenuhi kereta perang, gajah dan kuda yang tidak terbilang—tampak bersinar dengan keagungan yang mengagumkan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the effectiveness of vigilant protection and command: when the vanguard is well-guarded under a capable leader, the entire force appears cohesive and formidable. Ethically, it also invites reflection that splendor and order in warfare do not lessen the gravity of the violence they enable.
Sanjaya describes the Kaurava battle-array: the army’s front is being guarded by the king of Sindhu, and the massive force—crowded with innumerable chariots, elephants, and horses—appears resplendent and intimidating.