05.168
Pancharatra-core: Description of other prominent warriors on Pandava’s side.
Bhishma said:
O Bharata, Shikhandi, the son of the king of Panchala and conqueror of enemy cities, is regarded by me as the foremost among the charioteers of Arjuna, O king.
He will engage in battle, disrupting the previous formations, and will spread great glory among your forces, O Bharata.
The numerous armies of the Panchalas and Prabhadrakas will perform a great deed with the chariot division.
Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the commander of all armies, is regarded by me as an exceptional chariot-warrior, O Bhārata. He is a disciple of Droṇa and a great warrior, O king.
He will engage in battle, destroying his foes with the wrath of Lord Shiva at the end of an age.
The war enthusiasts describe this chariot army as vast as an ocean, akin to the divine forces in battle.
O King, the duty of a warrior, in my opinion, is like that of a half chariot-warrior. The son of Dhrishtadyumna has not exerted himself much since childhood.
Dhrishtaketu, the valiant son of Shishupala and king of the Chedis, was a great charioteer and archer, and indeed a relative of the Pandavas.
The heroic king of the Cedis, along with his son, O Bharata, will achieve the great and challenging task with the help of the great chariot-warrior.
Kshatradeva, devoted to the duty of a warrior, is considered by me as the conqueror of enemy cities. O King, among the Pandavas, he is the best of charioteers. Jayanta, of immeasurable energy, and Satyajit are also great warriors.
All the great charioteers and noble souls, the best among the Panchalas, are ready to fight in the battle, O father, with the excitement and vigor of elephants.
Aja and Bhoja, the valiant great warriors among the Pandavas, will strive with supreme strength to assist them. They are swift in weapons, skilled in various combats, accomplished, and firm in valor.
O King, the five brothers of Kekaya are arrogant in battle. All of them are great charioteers and bear red banners.
Kashika, Sukumara, and Nila, who is another king; Suryadatta, Shankha, and Madirashva are mentioned by name.
All these warriors are skilled in charioteering and marked by battle. They are all experts in weaponry and are regarded as great souls by me.
Vardhakṣemi, the great king, considers my chariot to be great. Citrayudha, the king, is regarded by me as the best among chariots. He is indeed glorious in battle and also devoted to Arjuna.
Cekitana and Satyadhriti, esteemed warriors of the Pandavas, are regarded by me as exceptional charioteers, akin to tigers among men.
Vyaghradatta and Candrasena, O King Bharata, are undoubtedly considered great charioteers of the Pandavas in my opinion.
Senabindu, known as the destroyer of anger, who is equal to Vasudeva and Bhimasena, will fight valiantly in the battle with your soldiers, O king.
You regard me, Droṇa, and Kṛpa in such a way; therefore, he, who boasts of battles, should be considered the finest among charioteers.
Kāśya, known for his supreme and swift weaponry, is praiseworthy and rides the best of chariots. His chariot, unique to me, is regarded as the conqueror of enemy cities.
This chariot, known for its eightfold valor in battle, belongs to Satyajit, the young and proud son of Drupada.
He, acknowledged as a great warrior by Dhrishtadyumna, seeks to bring glory to the Pandavas and will accomplish a significant feat.
The devoted and heroic chariot-warrior, the great Pāṇḍya king, is a pillar of strength for the Pāṇḍavas, known for his immense valor.
The firm-bowed and great archer, the best charioteer of the Pandavas, and the ranked best of the Kauravas, Vasudana, the king; both of these are considered by me as great charioteers, O scorcher of foes.
