07.063
Sanjaya said:
At the break of dawn, Droṇa, the greatest among warriors, began to arrange all his troops.
O king, the strange voices of the roaring heroes, who were enraged and impatient, desiring to kill each other, were heard.
In the midst of battle, having stretched their bows and wiped the bowstrings with their hands, they sighed and cried out, "Where is Dhananjaya now?"
Others released arrows that were opened, well-sharpened, and concentrated, while some threw yellow swords that resembled the sky.
Thousands of heroes, trained in the paths of swords and bows, were seen, all with minds set on battle.
Adorned with bells and smeared with sandalwood, decorated with gold and diamonds, others raised their maces and questioned Pāṇḍava.
Others, intoxicated by their strength and armed with clubs, filled the sky with objects resembling the lofty banners of Indra.
Various heroes, adorned with wonderful garlands and armed with different weapons, were stationed here and there, ready for battle.
Where are Arjuna, Govinda, and the proud Vrikodara? Where are your friends who were challenging them in battle at that time?
Then, Drona, having blown the conch, urged the horses himself and swiftly moved around, arranging them here and there.
In all those armies that were stationed and rejoicing in battle, Bharadvaja, O great king, then spoke to Jayadratha.
You, Saumadatti, Karna, Ashwatthama, Shalya, Vrishasena, and Kripa are all great warriors.
There were a hundred and six ten-thousands of chariots, along with fourteen thousand broken elephants.
Thousands of foot soldiers, twenty-one of them wounded, stand in three measures in cow-pens without reaching me.
Even the gods along with Indra cannot withstand you when you are situated there; how then can all the Pāṇḍavas? Rest assured, O Saindhava.
Having been thus addressed and comforted, King Jayadratha of Sindhu set out with the Gandharas, surrounded by them and great charioteers, all equipped with armor and horsemen, prepared and stationed with spears in hand.
O King, all the horses of Jayadratha, adorned with yak-tail fans and gold, are swiftly moving. They number seven thousand and two thousand are from Sindhu.
The intoxicated elephants, mounted by skilled riders, appeared terrifying in their armor and were fierce in their actions.
Your son Durmarshana, with one and a half thousand soldiers, stands ready to fight at the forefront of all the armies.
Then, Duḥśāsana and Vikarṇa, your sons, were positioned at the forefront of the army to ensure the success of the Sindhu king.
The formation, resembling a wheel-cart, was constructed by Bharadvaja, being long and spread over twelve cow-lengths, with five in the rear half.
Various kings and heroes were strategically positioned there with multitudes of chariots, horses, elephants, and infantry, all arranged personally by Drona.
In the latter half, his lotus formation is extremely difficult to penetrate. In the center of the lotus, a hidden formation is crafted once more.
Thus, Drona arranged the great formation and stood firm. At the forefront, the great archer Kritavarma took his position.
Afterwards, Kamboja and Jalasandha, O great one, Duryodhana along with his ministers, followed immediately.
Then, hundreds of thousands of fearless warriors were strategically positioned in the chariot, all with keen eyes.
Behind them, the king was surrounded by a great army. Then, O king, Jayadratha was positioned in the needle formation.
Bharadvaja stood at the mouth of the cart, O king. Following him, Bhoja took his place and protected him thereafter.
Droṇa, clad in white armor and garments, with a turban, broad chest, and great arms, stood stretching his bow, resembling an angry Death.
The Kurus were filled with joy upon seeing Drona's chariot, which was adorned with a flag-bearer, red horses, and a banner made of altar-black deer skin.
The perfected beings and celestial singers were greatly astonished upon seeing the formation arranged by Drona, which resembled an agitated ocean.
The beings thought that the formation would engulf the entire earth, including its mountains, oceans, forests, and various crowded regions.
The king was delighted to see the grand army composed of numerous chariots, younger brothers, horses, foot soldiers, and elephants, which had a terrifying sound and an awe-inspiring appearance, truly striking fear into the hearts of his enemies.
