Bhagavadgita Parva — Description of the troops

Sanjaya said Just as the holy Rishi Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa said, so exactly in that manner those rulers of earth who had assembled there met together.

On the day on which the battle commenced the moon approached the constellation Magha. The seven large planets appeared in the sky like so many blazing fires.

When the sun rose, he appeared as if he had been divided into two parts. When that luminary rose in the sky he appeared to blaze forth in flames.

Carnivorous animals, jacks and crows cried from all directions which appeared in a blaze expecting to feed on (dead) bodies.

Every day the venerable grandfather of the Kuru (Bhishma) and the son of Bharadvaja (Drona) when they rose in the morning with concentrated mind, said “Victory to the Pandavas". Those chastisers of foes fought for your sake only because they had given the pledge.

Your father Devavrata learned in the rules of war duly calling all the kings before him thus spoke to them these words.

"O Kshatriyas, this broad door is wide open for you to enter heaven. Go through it to the abodes of Indra and Brahma.

The ancient Rishis have pointed out to you these eternal paths. However fight in the battle with all attention.

Nabhaga, Yayati, Mandhata, Nahusha and Bhrigu all secured success and obtained the highest region of bliss by such feats.

In a Kshatriya to die of a disease is a sin. To die in the field of battle is his eternal duty.

O best of the Bharata race having been thus addressed by Bhishma, the kings looked beautiful in their excellent cars. They then went to the hcads of their respective troops.

O best of the Bharata race, the son of Vikartana Karna, with his friends and relatives, however, laid aside his weapons of Bhishma.

Then your sons and all the kings that were on his side without Karna marched making the ten points of horizon resound with their war cries.

O king, their troops looked splendid with white umbrella, banners, standards elephants, horses, cars and foot-soldiers.

The earth trembled with loud sounds of drums, tabors and cymbals and also with the clatter of the wheels of cars.

The great car-warriors adorned with golden bracelets and armlets looked as effulgent as so many hills of fire.

With his large palmyra standard with five stars, Bhishma, the Generalissimo of the Kuru army, looked as resplendent as the sun himself.

O best of the Bharata race, O king, according to the orders issued by the son of Shantanu, Bhishma, all the great bowmen of royal birth who were on your side took up their respective positions.

Shaivya, the ruler of the Govasanas accomplished by the chiefs marched on a great elephant worthy to be used by kings. It had a banner flying from its back.

The lotus-complexioned Ashvatthama ever ready for emergency marched at the very head of all the troops with his standard hat bore the device of a lion's tail.

Shrutayudha, Chitrasena, Purumitra, Vivinshati, Shalya, Bhurishrava, and the carwarriors Vikarna. These seven great bowmen clad in excellent armour and riding on their excellent cars followed the son of Drona but marched in front of Bhishma.

The golden standards of these warriors, beautifully placed at the flag-staff of thcir excellent cars looked highly effulgent.

The standard of Drona that foremost of preceptors, note the device of a golden altar, adorned with a water pot and a figure of a bow.

The standard of Duryodhana, that guided many hundred and thousands of troops bore the device of an elephant made in gems and jewels.

Paurava, the ruler of Kalingas, Sudakshina, the ruler of the Kombojas, Kshemadhanvan, and Sumitra, those great car-warriors took up their positions in front of Duryodhana.

Taking a position in the very front in a costly car with his standard that bore the device of a bull, the king of the Magadhas marched against the enemy.

The large force of the people of the east which looked like the fleecy clouds of autumn was protected by the Anga prince and the greatly powerful Kripa.

Placing himself at the head of his troops with his beautiful silver standard which bore the device of the bore, the illustrious Jayadratha looked highly effulgent.

One hundred thousand cars, cight thousand elephants and sixty thousand horsemen were under his command,

That large army with innumerable cars and elephants and horse under the command of the kings of the Sindhus looked very grant.

With sixty thousand cars and ten thousand clephants the kings of the Kalingas with Ketuman marched.

His clephants cach loO king like a hill adorned with machines, lances, and standards looked very beautiful.

The king of the Kalingas with his high firelike effulgent standard, with his white umbrella and Chamaras looked exceedingly beautiful.

Ketumat also, O king, riding an elephant with a highly excellent and beautiful hook stood in the battle like the sun amidst the clouds.

King Bhagadatta, blazing in his own effulgence, marched on an elephant like the wielder of thunder (Indra).

The two princes of Avanti, named Vinda and Anuvinda who were considered as equal to Bhagadatta followed Ketuman on two elephants.

O king, Vyuhas (particular formation), consisting of many cars were arrayed by Drona, and the royal son of Shantanu and Drona's son and Balhika and Kripa; the elephants formed the bodies, the wing, the heads and the horses the kings. With face towards all sides, that fearful Vyuha seemed to smile. It appeared to be ready to leap forward.