Shloka 13
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय 18: सेनानिनादः, ध्वज-दीप्तिः, भीष्मरक्षण-व्यवस्था च
Battle Muster: Soundscape, Banners, and the Protection of Bhīṣma
शाल्वा मत्स्यास्तथाम्बष्ठास्त्रैगर्ता: केकयास्तथा । सौवीरा: कैतवाः प्राच्या: प्रतीच्योदीच्यवासिन:,अभीषाह, शूरसेन, शिबि, वसाति, शाल्व, मत्स्य, अम्बष्ठ, त्रिगर्त, केकय, सौवीर, कैतव तथा पूर्व, पश्चिम एवं उत्तर प्रदेशके निवासी--इन बारह जनपदोंके समस्त शूरवीर अपना शरीर निछावर करनेको उद्यत होकर विशाल रथसमुदायके द्वारा पितामह भीष्मकी रक्षा कर रहे थे
sálvā matsyās tathāmbaṣṭhās traigartāḥ kekayās tathā | sauvīrāḥ kaitavāḥ prācyāḥ pratīcyodīcyavāsinaḥ ||
ସଞ୍ଜୟ କହିଲେ—ଶାଲ୍ୱ, ମତ୍ସ୍ୟ, ଅମ୍ବଷ୍ଠ, ତ୍ରିଗର୍ତ ଓ କେକୟ; ତଥା ସୌବୀର, କୈତବ ଏବଂ ପୂର୍ବ–ପଶ୍ଚିମ–ଉତ୍ତର ଦେଶର ନିବାସୀ—ଏ ସମସ୍ତେ ପ୍ରାଣ ତ୍ୟାଗ କରିବାକୁ ନିଶ୍ଚୟ କରି, ବିଶାଳ ରଥସମୁଦାୟ ସହ ପିତାମହ ଭୀଷ୍ମଙ୍କୁ ରକ୍ଷା କରୁଥିଲେ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the warrior-ethic of dharma in battle: allied peoples accept personal risk—even death—to protect a revered commander (Bhīṣma). It frames loyalty and duty as collective responsibilities, especially toward elders and leaders in a righteous military order.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that multiple janapadas—named groups from various regions—have assembled in large numbers, especially with chariots, and are forming a protective screen around Bhīṣma on the battlefield.