06.022
Sanjaya said:
Then King Yudhishthira, the best of the Bharatas, commanded his army to arrange themselves against Bhishma's forces.
The Pandavas, desiring the highest heaven, arrayed their divisions as instructed, ready for a righteous battle, O best of the Kurus.
In the midst of the battlefield, Shikhandi's army was strategically protected by Arjuna, while Bhima and Dhrishtadyumna personally ensured its defense.
The southern division of the army was guarded by the noble Yuyudhāna, akin to how Indra is protected by the mighty archer, the illustrious leader of the Sātvatas.
Yudhishthira stood in the midst of the serpent race on a chariot that was like the chariot of Indra, equipped and adorned with gold and jewels, with a golden harness.
The king, with his white umbrella raised high, shines brightly. The great sages, singing praises, approach him with reverence, walking around him in respect.
The priests, discussing the defeat of the enemy, along with the great sages and elders who had heard about it, performed rituals for welfare all around using chants, mutterings, and herbs.
Then, the noble Kuru prince, in a manner akin to Indra among the gods, distributed garments, cattle, fruits, flowers, and gold coins to the Brahmins and took his leave.
Arjuna's chariot, adorned with exquisite gold and hundreds of bells, shines brilliantly like a radiant fire, drawn by white horses and equipped with beautiful wheels, resembling a thousand suns.
Standing there, held by Keshava, with a monkey banner, holding Gandiva and arrows, he is an archer whose equal on earth neither exists nor will ever be.
He intends to overturn your son's army and bears a terrifying form. Even without weapons, his strong arms could turn men, horses, and elephants to ashes in battle.
Bhimasena, accompanied by the two Yamas, Vrikodara, the protector of the heroic chariot, appeared like a playful bull and lion, resembling the great Indra in the world.
Upon seeing the formidable figure leading the army, your warriors were as distressed as camels trapped in mud, their minds shaken by fear, as they beheld Vrikodara, who embodied the pride of a mighty elephant king.
In the midst of the army, Janardana addressed Gudakesha, the best of the Bharatas, as the formidable prince stood there.
Vasudeva said:
This is Bhishma, the powerful protector who observes our army like a lion. He is the emblem of the Kuru dynasty and has performed thirty horse sacrifices.
These armies, O great hero, hide the sun's rays like clouds. O best among men, after defeating these, seek battle with the bull of the Bharatas.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
Sanjaya, whose warriors are elated and fighting at the front? Who here are with uplifted spirits, and who are dejected and dispirited?
Sanjaya, tell me who was the first to strike in that heart-trembling battle, my warriors or the Pandavas?
In whose army assembly, the fragrance of garlands arises, and the warriors' voices roar as they circumambulate.
Sanjaya said:
The warriors from both armies were filled with joy. On both sides, there was an abundance of garlands, incense, drinks, and fragrances.
O best of the Bharatas, a massive clash took place among the tightly packed and well-arrayed troops as they advanced with great fervor.
The loud clamor of musical instruments, conches, and drums blended together with the trumpeting of elephants and the joyous shouts of the armies.
