Shloka 116
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय 18: सेनानिनादः, ध्वज-दीप्तिः, भीष्मरक्षण-व्यवस्था च
Battle Muster: Soundscape, Banners, and the Protection of Bhīṣma
रथा विंशतिसाहस्रास्तथैषामनुयायिन: । सेनाके मुहानेपर खड़े हुए
sañjaya uvāca |
rathā viṃśatisāhasrās tathaiṣām anuyāyinaḥ |
Sañjaya berkata: “Terdapat dua puluh ribu kereta perang, beserta para pengikut mereka. Para pahlawan itu—pemanah agung bermata besar laksana mata lembu jantan—berdiri di hadapan sekali barisan tentera, menambah seri dan wibawa angkatan itu. Wahai raja, yang menjaga bahagian belakang Bhīṣma ialah putera-puteramu serta sekutu mereka—Duḥśāsana, Durviṣaha, Durmukha, Duḥsaha, Viviṃśati, Citrasena, Vikarṇa sang maharathi, Satyavrata, Purumitra, Jaya, Bhūriśravas, Śala—dan dua puluh ribu pejuang berkereta yang mengikuti mereka.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-duty expressed as disciplined protection of one’s commander: valor is shown not only in attack but in guarding the vulnerable rear, emphasizing loyalty, organization, and responsibility within warfare.
Sañjaya reports to the king the Kaurava deployment: a large chariot force stands at the army’s front, while Bhīṣma’s rear is protected by Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s sons and named allies, indicating a structured battle formation around Bhīṣma’s command.