Mb073. Pandavas' Commander-In-Chief Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

MAHABHARATA

Though failed in His mission
Krishna brought information
On Kauravas' war preparations,
Also what are their limitations?

Pandavas' side who'll lead?
An able one, all they need.
This Yudhishthira asked everyone,
Starting from junior to senior one.

"To solve this simple problem,
Virata, who gave us asylum,
For a year, he was our host,
He's suitable for this post."

Said the youngest Sahadeva.
Stood next to him Nakula.
"Drupada, " he said, "is my
Selection for our army."

"Dhristadyumna is young,
Energetic he's all among.
I'm for a dynamic blood, "
Arjuna, in his turn, said.

"As Bhisma is Kauravas' head,
Sikhandi, my choice to lead, "
So said Bhima, "sure will
Having taken a vow to kill."

"What's your choice Krishna? "
Asked the senior Yudhisthira.
Said He, "What's Arjuna's choice
The same is my only choice."

Yudhisthira seconded His opinion.
This was accepted by everyone.
The commander-in-chief was chosen.
Powers to command were given.

War-drums, in front, were beaten
Trumpets, from all sides, blown
Bugles and conchs sounded,
Soldiers all sides surrounded.

In the chariot sat Arjuna,
Its charioteer was Krishna.
On top, the Hanuman banner,
It fluttered in a grand manner.

Seated on an elephant, Yudhisthira
Was led by infantry leader Bhima.
Elephant divisions led by Drupada,
Followed by forces of Yadhava.

A top leader each division had,
In army uniforms they were clad.
Straight towards the war field
The army in command moved.