अयनेषु च सर्वेषु यथाभागमवस्थिताः। भीष्ममेवाभिरक्षन्तु भवन्तः सर्व एव हि।।1.11।।
Therefore, I call upon all the generals of the Kaurava army now to give full support to Grandsire Bhīṣma, even as you defend your respective strategic points.
Translation
Duryodhana said: Therefore, I call upon all the generals of the Kaurava army to give full support to Grandfather Bhīṣma, even as you defend your respective positions on the battlefield.
Word Meanings
ayaneṣu — in the strategic points ca — also sarveṣu — everywhere yathā-bhāgam — as differently arranged avasthitāḥ — situated bhīṣmam — unto Grandfather Bhīṣma eva — certainly abhirakṣantu — should give support bhavantaḥ — you sarve — all respectively eva hi — certainly
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Duryodhana gives a command to all the generals of the Kaurava army. He instructs them to ensure that they offer their full support to Grandfather Bhīṣma while also maintaining their individual defensive positions in the military formation. Duryodhana is fully aware of Bhīṣma's strength, his wisdom, and his nearly invincible position on the battlefield. Bhīṣma, being a revered patriarch and the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army, is seen as an anchor of their forces. His experience and reputation as a warrior make him the most secure and steadfast leader in the Kaurava ranks. Duryodhana, therefore, wants to leverage Bhīṣma’s presence to bolster the morale of his generals and soldiers. By instructing the generals to support Bhīṣma, Duryodhana is also giving them a sense of unity. He is relying on Bhīṣma as the central figure who can hold the army together and offer inspiration. The strategic points mentioned in the verse (ayaneṣu) refer to the various positions where each general is stationed, but despite their individual duties, Duryodhana wants them to recognize Bhīṣma's importance and make sure that his position is defended and upheld. This statement reflects Duryodhana’s strategic thinking. He is not only playing to his army’s strengths but also trying to highlight the psychological advantage of having Bhīṣma leading them. Duryodhana is reinforcing that Bhīṣma’s invincibility should be an inspiration for the army to fight with greater confidence, thereby strengthening the Kaurava forces in terms of both strategy and morale. At the same time, this verse also subtly points to Duryodhana’s dependence on Bhīṣma. Though he is the king and the one giving orders, he acknowledges that without Bhīṣma’s leadership, the Kaurava army would not be as formidable. This dependence reflects his vulnerability, as much of the Kaurava strength lies in Bhīṣma’s leadership.
