06.019
Dhritarashtra spoke:
Upon seeing the eleven armies arrayed, Yudhishthira wondered how the Pandava could counter-array with a smaller force.
The Pandava, son of Kunti, who understands the formations of humans, gods, Gandharvas, and demons, countered Bhishma. How did he manage to do so?
Sanjaya said:
Upon observing the well-arranged armies of Dhritarashtra's sons, the righteous Yudhishthira, son of Pandu, addressed Arjuna.
O dear, according to the words of the great sage Bṛhaspati, it is conveyed that unity helps in overcoming small challenges and expanding one's desires significantly.
The army, sharp like a needle, may consist of a few among many; similarly, our army is certainly smaller compared to others.
Upon understanding the great sage's words and hearing Yudhishthira, Arjuna responded, O Pandava.
O King, this is the formation named 'Immovable' and known as 'Vajra', which is extremely difficult to conquer and has been established by Vajrapani for you.
Bhima, who is as fierce as a storm and unbearable to enemies in battle, will indeed lead our attack.
The best among men, who crushes the splendors of enemy armies, will lead us with expertise in war strategies.
Upon seeing him, all the kings led by Duryodhana will retreat in confusion, like small animals fleeing from a lion.
All of us will seek refuge in Bhima, the fearless fortress, the best among fighters, just as the immortals do in Vajrapani.
Indeed, there is no man in the world who can face the furious Vrikodara, known for his formidable actions, the bull among men.
Bhimasena, wielding a strong mace crafted from diamond essence, could dry up the ocean with his great speed.
Kekaya, Dhrishtaketu, and Chekitana, the mighty warriors, stand with their ministers as spectators, O king.
Bibhatsu spoke about the heirs of Dhritarashtra. However, when he spoke to Partha, all the armies, O great one, honored him with favorable words during the battle.
After speaking thus, the mighty-armed Arjuna arranged his forces and quickly departed.
Upon seeing the departing Kurus, the great army of the Pandavas appeared as calm and full as the flowing Ganga.
Bhimasena was the leader among them, along with Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata. Nakula, Sahadeva, and the valiant Dhrishtaketu were also present.
After mobilizing his forces, the king, accompanied by his brothers and sons, protected the rear of the army.
The sons of Madri, who were the protectors of Bhima's chariot wheels, were greatly resplendent. Along with the sons of Draupadi and Abhimanyu, they guarded the rear with swiftness and valor.
Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the son of Pāñcāla, was their protector and a great chariot-warrior, accompanied by battle heroes, chief charioteers, and the Prabhadrakas.
Shikhandi, protected by Arjuna, then proceeded with the intention of destroying Bhishma, O best of the Bharatas.
Yuyudhana, a great warrior, guarded Arjuna's rear, while the sons of Panchala, Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas, protected the wheels.
King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, stood in the center of the army, surrounded by great and intoxicated elephants that moved like unshakable mountains.
Yajnasena, the great-minded son of Drupada, along with his army, followed the valiant Virata for the sake of the Pandavas.
Their radiance was akin to the sun and moon, adorned with the finest golden ornaments. Bearing various insignias, O king, they were seated on chariots with towering banners.
Then, after advancing, the great charioteer Dhṛṣṭadyumna, along with his brothers and sons, protected Yudhiṣṭhira.
The great monkey emblem on Arjuna's chariot stood out, overpowering the various flags on the chariots of both your side and the enemies'.
The foot soldiers marched ahead, armed with swords, spears, and javelins, numbering in their hundreds and thousands, as protectors of Bhimasena.
There were ten thousand elephants with broken tusks, appearing like heroes with golden nets, shining as if they were mountains.
The clouds, wet with honey and fragrant like lotuses, seemed to pour as they followed the king, moving behind him like mountains.
Bhimasena, with his formidable mace resembling a club, led the mighty and invincible army with great determination.
The warriors from all sides were unable to look directly at that sun-like figure, shining and adorned with rays, as it was difficult to gaze upon.
The formation known as Vajra is formidable and all-encompassing, with a fierce lightning banner, safeguarded by the wielder of the Gandiva bow.
The Pandavas, having arrayed themselves, stand against your army, which is unconquerable in the human world and protected by them.
As the evening set in and the armies stood ready facing the rising sun, a wind blew, carrying drops of moisture, and thundered in the cloudless sky.
Fierce winds blew in all directions, dragging pebbles and raising dust, which covered the world in darkness.
A great meteor fell from the sky towards the east, O best of the Bharatas, striking the rising sun and shattering with a loud noise.
Then, O best of the Bharatas, as the armies were being prepared, the sun rose dimly, and the earth trembled with a loud sound. At that time, everything scattered with noise, O best of the Bharatas.
O king, many thunderstorms occurred in all directions and everywhere. Intense dust appeared, and nothing was visible.
The flags, suddenly shaken by the wind, jingled with the sounds of bells tied in a network, adorned with golden garlands.
The great ones with banners, shining like the sun, created a noise that filled the air, much like the rustling in palm groves.
Thus, the Pandavas, who are like tigers among men and delight in battle, have strategically arrayed themselves against your son's army.
O best of the Bharatas, upon seeing Bhimasena standing in front with his mace in hand, the warriors appeared to be sinking as if they were falling.
