Verse 1.11
Ayaneshu cha sarveshu
yathaabhaagam avasthitaah;
Bheeshmam evaabhirakshantu
bhavantah sarva eva hi.
Translation
“Therefore, do ye all, stationed in your respective positions in the several divisions of
the army, protect Bheeshma alone”.
Verse 1.12
Tasya sanjanayan harsham
kuruvriddhah pitaamahah;
Simhanaadam vinadyocchaih
shankham dadhmau prataapavaan.
Translation
His glorious grandsire (Bheeshma), the eldest of the Kauravas, in order to cheer
Duryodhana now roared like a lion and blew his conch.
RG Purport: It was the design of Duryodhana and the camp of Shakuni to make Bheeshma the commander-in-chief of the Kuru force. Bheeshma was blessed with the freedom of dying at will. He was the most powerful warrior in the Kuru camp. Dronacarya was present in the Kuru side and Arjuna lacked the vitality of combating Bheeshma. Thus in a way Bheeshma was impregnable. Yet Duryodhana considered the age of Bheeshma and requested his warriors to stand surrounding Bheeshma. This was a ploy of Duryodhana to attack the Pandavas under the supervision of the grandsire who had in his heart a soft spot for the Pandavas. However having taken an important position of commander-in-chief, Bheeshma did not have the liberty to be siding with the Pandavas and allowing them to get away with an advantage in the war. Nevertheless Bheeshma being the grandsire of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas had equal attachment towards both parties. Bheeshma being on the side of Duryodhana bore witness to the insecurities of Duryodhana. Bheeshma only desired the security of Hastinapura and was certain that with Krishna on the side of the Pandavas, ultimate victory would be that of the Pandavas who were just and truthful. Owing to paternal affection Bheeshma wanted to console Duryodhana and thereby blew the conch with a roar thereby reassuring Duryodhana that he was thoroughly on the side of his grandson Duryodhana.
Charan Pahari 