Shloka 12
भीष्मपतनविषये धृतराष्ट्रस्य प्रश्नाः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Questions on Bhīṣma’s Fall
दुःशासन रथास्तूर्ण युज्यन्तां भीष्मरक्षिण: | अनीकानि च सर्वाणि शीघ्र त्वमनुचोदय
sañjaya uvāca | duḥśāsana rathās tūrṇaṃ yujyantāṃ bhīṣmarakṣiṇaḥ | anīkāni ca sarvāṇi śīghraṃ tvam anucodaya ||
Sañjaya disse: “Duḥśāsana, manda atrelar imediatamente os carros designados para guardar Bhīṣma. E incita todas as formações de batalha a se apressarem—ordena que estejam prontas sem demora para sua proteção.”
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.