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:
sálvā matsyās tathāmbaṣṭhās traigartāḥ kekayās tathā | sauvīrāḥ kaitavāḥ prācyāḥ pratīcyodīcyavāsinaḥ ||
三阇耶说道：“舍罗婆人、摩蹉人、安婆湿吒人、特里伽尔多人与计迦耶人；同样还有苏毗罗人与凯多婆人；以及居于东方、西方、北方诸地的战士——众人皆准备舍身赴死，并以浩瀚如海的战车群守护‘祖父’毗湿摩。”
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.