Chapter1 Verse - 11

 

Verse 11

अयनेषु च सर्वेषु यथाभागमवस्थिता: |
भीष्ममेवाभिरक्षन्तु भवन्त: सर्व एव हि || 11||

Transliteration:

ayaneShu ca sarveShu yathAbhAgamavasthitAH .                                       

bhIShmamevAbhirakshantu bhavantaH sarva eva hi .. 11 ..

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Word-by-word meaning:

अयनेषु -in the army च – and सर्वेषु – everyone यथा भागम् – in whichever part अवस्थिता: -are situated भीष्मम् - Bhishma एव – alone अभिरक्षन्तु - protect भवन्त: - You सर्व – all एव हि – must certainly ॥ ११॥

Meaning:

Everyone in this army, in whichever part you may be situated , must certainly protect Bhishma alone.

Significance:

The army is protected, where the commander is protected. Bhishma is the commander of Kaurava army, Duryodhana indicates that the victory of their army solely depends upon Bhishma. All other warriors, are placed in strategic points in the war field. While they are busy in fighting with their respective opponents, should be vigilant , that Bhishma should’t be attacked from any sides. Bhishma is a person who single handedly can handle any mighty army!

These words ‘भीष्मम् एव अभिरक्षन्तु -Protect Bhishma alone’ , Duryodhana asking someone else to protect Bhishma, whose strength is known by everyone in the world, reflects again his insecurity.

                   Duryodhana here tries to balance between his Grand-father and Guru. Though he does not trust them completely, he know that without their support victory is a unattainable thing for his army. After the present verse , nowhere is Gita, Duryodhana will make a statement. The forthcoming verses will take us to the core teaching of principles of life by Bhagavan Shri Krishna.