Shloka 16
Arjuna–Bhīṣma Strategic Engagement and Mutual Arrow-Interdiction (भीष्मार्जुनसमागमः)
विविंशतिकश्षित्रसेनो विकर्णश्र महारथ: । पुरुमित्रो जयो भोज: सौमदत्तिश्न वीर्यवान्,(अग्रतः पाण्डुसेनाया हाृतिष्ठन् पृथिवीक्षित: ।।
sañjaya uvāca |
viviṁśatir citraseno vikarṇaś ca mahārathaḥ |
purumitro jayo bhojaḥ saumadattiś ca vīryavān |
(agrataḥ pāṇḍu-senāyā hṛtiṣṭhan pṛthivīkṣitaḥ ||)
三阇耶说道：毗毗ṁ沙提、质多罗塞那与大车战士毗迦尔那；普鲁密多罗、阇耶、菩阇，以及娑摩达多那位英勇之子——布胡利施罗婆斯——这些国王立于般度军阵之前。众人挥振强弓，手执利箭；那箭一经放出，宛如毒蛇脱缰。他们如同夹带闪电的雷云，迎对敌阵，在般度众前形成一道森严可畏的屏障。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness and organized resistance in battle: leaders take the forefront, display readiness, and form a protective line. Ethically, it illustrates how martial excellence and courage can be deployed in service of one’s side—without itself guaranteeing the righteousness of the cause.
Sañjaya lists prominent Kaurava warriors—Viviṁśati, Citrasena, Vikarṇa, Purumitra, Jaya, Bhoja, and Bhūriśravas—who advance to the front and stand facing the Pāṇḍava forces, appearing like storm-clouds with lightning as they ready bows and serpent-like arrows.