Chapter 1 – Arjuna’s Despondency
Verse 11
Ayaneshu, ch, sarveshu, yathaabhaagam’, avasthitaH,
Bheeshmm’, ev, abhirakshantu, bhavantH, sarve, ev, hi ||11||
English Translation:
“All of you warriors, stationed at your respective battle posts, should remain as you are and focus especially on protecting only Bhishma.”
Interpretation / Explanation:
In this verse, Duryodhana gives a specific command to the key warriors of his army. He says:
Even though you all are stationed at various fronts of the battlefield (as per your roles), remain there and do not abandon your posts.
But most importantly, Bhishma Pitamah, who is the most prominent warrior in our army, is aged and bound by a personal code of righteousness (he will only fight when someone directly opposes him) — hence, he must be protected specially.
This command reflects Duryodhana’s fear — that if something happens to Bhishma, the morale of the Kaurava army may crumble.
Therefore, Duryodhana insists that while everyone holds their position, the safety of Bhishma must be the top priority.
Deeper Insight / Psychological Aspect:
This verse reveals Duryodhana’s anxiety and sense of uncertainty. Though he claims to be confident in his army, he knows deep down that Bhishma’s presence is crucial for standing against the Pandavas.
It also shows that, considering Bhishma’s age and personal ethics, Duryodhana might see him as a vulnerable link in the chain and wants to ensure that no harm comes to him — not just for tactical reasons but also for the sake of the army’s spirit.
