Shloka 49
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
यस्य नागो ध्वजाग्रेड्सौ हेमकेतनसंवृत: । धृतराष्ट्रात्मज: श्रीमानेष राजा सुयोधन:
yasya nāgo dhvajāgre ’sau hemaketana-saṁvṛtaḥ | dhṛtarāṣṭrātmajaḥ śrīmān eṣa rājā suyodhanaḥ ||
Arjuna sprach: „Seht: Das ist der ruhmreiche Sohn Dhṛtarāṣṭras, König Suyodhana (Duryodhana). An der Vorderseite seines Wagenbanners prangt das Zeichen der Schlange, und ein goldener Wimpel schmückt es. So, gezeichnet von königlichem Glanz und kriegerischer Schaustellung, ragt er unter den Kämpfern hervor und kündet, da der Streit herannaht, zugleich von Macht und Hochmut.“
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs of power—royal splendor, banners, and emblems—announce a leader’s presence in war, yet they also hint at inner qualities such as pride and ambition. Ethically, it frames the battlefield as a place where one must recognize opponents clearly and act with discernment, not merely be swayed by display.
Arjuna points out Duryodhana (Suyodhana), identifying him by his distinctive banner marked with a serpent emblem and a golden pennon. This occurs in the Virāṭa context as the Kaurava forces are being observed and recognized before engagement.