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 ||
Sañjaya disse: Os Śālvas, os Matsyas, os Ambaṣṭhas, os Trigartas e os Kekayas; do mesmo modo os Sauvīras e os Kaitavas; e os guerreiros que habitavam as regiões orientais, ocidentais e setentrionais—todos estavam prontos a oferecer seus corpos (suas vidas) e, com um vasto oceano de carros, guardavam o Avô Bhīṣma.
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.