Duryodhana has just said that his own army, though protected by Bhīṣma, feels insufficient, while the Pāṇḍava army, protected by Bhīma, feels more than sufficient. That statement revealed his insecurity. Now he gives an instruction to his warriors.

He says ayaneṣu ca sarveṣu — “at all points of entry” or “at all strategic positions.” In battle, an army has different openings, routes, and vulnerable points. Warriors are placed at these points so that the army is protected from every direction.

He adds yathābhāgam avasthitāḥ — “stationed according to your respective allotments.” Each warrior has been assigned a place. They are not standing randomly. They must remain in the positions given to them.

Then comes the main command: bhīṣmam eva abhirakṣantu — “protect Bhīṣma alone.” The word eva, “alone,” is important. Duryodhana is not saying generally, “Protect the army.” He is saying, “All of you protect Bhīṣma especially.”

Bhīṣma is the central strength of the Kaurava army. If Bhīṣma stands firm, Duryodhana feels his army has a chance. If Bhīṣma is endangered, the army’s confidence may collapse. Therefore he orders everyone to guard Bhīṣma from all sides.

The words bhavantaḥ sarve eva hi mean “all of you indeed.” Duryodhana does not leave this responsibility to a few. He wants everyone to be alert in protecting Bhīṣma.

This shloka therefore shows Duryodhana’s insecurity becoming more visible. In the earlier shloka, he felt his army was insufficient even though it had Bhīṣma. Now he says, “Protect Bhīṣma.” The stronger a person’s insecurity, the more external protection he seeks.

The deeper point is that external security alone cannot remove inner insecurity. If devotion and īśvara-anugraha are absent, one may have a great army, powerful elders, weapons, and many guards, yet the mind will not feel safe. If Bhagavān’s grace is present, even limited possessions can feel sufficient. Without that grace, even great arrangements feel inadequate.