तस्य सञ्जनयन्हर्षं कुरुवृद्ध: पितामह: |
सिंहनादं विनद्योच्चै: शङ्खं दध्मौ प्रतापवान् || 12||
Then the valiant Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kuru Dynasty, roaring like a lion blew his conch shell very loudly, increasing the joy of the king Duryodhana.
Conches were blown to indicate the beginning of the war and Bhishma roaring like a lion and blew his conch shell to indicate his readiness to lead the army in the battle of Mahabharat. Bhishma knew that Duryodhan was concealing the fear of loss in his heart and to elate him from this fear, Bhishma roared like a lion.
The confirmation by Bhisma was the indication that he was ready to fight and lead the Kaurava army, although he knew that Dharma was on the other side of the battle.
