Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
अभ्ययाज्जवनैरश्वैः पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम् । महत्या सेनया गुप्तस्तव पुत्रैश्न सर्वश:
sañjaya uvāca |
abhyayāj javanair aśvaiḥ pāṇḍavānām anīkinīm |
mahatyā senayā guptaḥ tava putraiś ca sarvaśaḥ ||
अभ्ययाज्जवनैरश्वैः पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम् । महत्या सेनया गुप्तस्तव पुत्रैश्च सर्वशः ॥
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights a battlefield ethic of coordinated duty: individual valor (swift advance) becomes effective when sustained by disciplined protection and collective support. It also reflects kṣātra-dharma—acting decisively in one’s role within an organized command structure.
Sañjaya reports that the Kuru commander (contextually Bhīṣma) advances rapidly with swift horses and attacks the Pāṇḍava battle-array, while Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s sons surround and protect him, backed by a large supporting force.