sthāpayitvā rathottamam

sanjayah-Sanjaya; uvaca-said; evam-thus; uktah-addressed; hrsikesah-Lord Krsna; gudakesena-by Arjuna; bharata-O descendant of Bharata; senayoh-of armies; ubhayoh-of both; madhye-in the midst of; sthapayitva-by placing; rathottamam-the finest chariot.