Shloka 18
Adhyāya 78 — Bhīṣma’s Advance, Duryodhana’s Rally, and Concurrent Duels (भीष्मस्याभ्युद्यमः, दुर्योधनस्योत्साहवचनम्, विविधयुद्धवर्णनम्)
ग्रीवायां शूरसेनश्न तव पुत्रश्न मारिष । दुर्योधनो महाराज राजभिर्बहुभिवृत:,आर्य! महाराज! राजा शूरसेन तथा आपका पुत्र दुर्योधन--ये दोनों बहुत-से राजाओंके साथ क्रौंचव्यूहके ग्रीवाभागमें स्थित हुए
sañjaya uvāca |
grīvāyāṃ śūrasenaś ca tava putraś ca māriṣa |
duryodhano mahārāja rājabhir bahubhir vṛtaḥ ||
Wika ni Sañjaya: O kagalang-galang, si Haring Śūrasena at ang iyong anak na si Duryodhana, O dakilang hari, na napalilibutan ng maraming haring kapanalig, ay pumuwesto sa bahaging “leeg” ng pormasyong Krauñca. Ipinakikita ng ulat na ito na si Duryodhana ay binabantayan at sinusuportahan ng isang koalisyon, at inilalantad ang bigat na pang-estratehiya at pangmoral ng pamumuno sa digmaan—lumalakas ang kapangyarihan sa mga alyansa, ngunit lalong lumalalim ang pananagutan sa mga magiging bunga.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that martial power often rests on alliances and protective entourages; ethically, this intensifies a leader’s accountability—being ‘surrounded by many kings’ means one’s choices draw many into the results of war.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the placement of key Kaurava figures: Śūrasena and Duryodhana are stationed at the ‘neck’ of the Krauñca battle-array, guarded and supported by numerous kings, indicating a strategically important and well-defended position.