Adhyāya 78 — Bhīṣma’s Advance, Duryodhana’s Rally, and Concurrent Duels (भीष्मस्याभ्युद्यमः, दुर्योधनस्योत्साहवचनम्, विविधयुद्धवर्णनम्)
पादयोस्तु महाराज स्थित: श्रीमान् महारथ: । कुन्तिभोज: शतानीको महत्या सेनयावृत:,महाराज! उसके दोनों पैरोंकी जगह महारथी श्रीमान् कुन्तिभोज और विशाल सेनासहित शतानीक खड़े थे
pādayos tu mahārāja sthitaḥ śrīmān mahārathaḥ | kuntibhojaḥ śatānīko mahatyā senayāvṛtaḥ ||
سنجے نے کہا—اے مہاراج! (بھیشم کے) قدموں کے پاس کُنتی بھوج کے خاندان کا جلیل القدر مہارتھی شتانیک، عظیم لشکر سے گھِرا ہوا، متعین تھا۔
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the ordered placement of warriors around a central commander, reflecting kṣatriya discipline: personal valor is framed within collective responsibility, hierarchy, and strategic protection in war.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the battlefield disposition: an illustrious mahāratha named Śatānīka, associated with the Kuntibhoja line, is positioned at the feet (i.e., the lower/front protective sector) of the main leader, surrounded by a large force.