Valmiki Ramayana 2.96.18: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 96, Shloka 18
चित्रकूटे सैन्यधूलिशब्ददर्शनम्
Alarm at Chitrakūṭa: Lakṣmaṇa sights the approaching army
एष वै सुमहाञ्छ्रीमान्विटपी सम्प्रकाशते ।
विराजत्युद्गतस्कन्धं कोविदारध्वजो रथे ॥१८॥
eṣa vai sumahāñ chrīmān viṭapī samprakāśate |
virājat y udgataskandhaṃ kovidāradhvajo rathe ||18||
„Dort — hell und herrlich — erscheint das Banner wie ein großer, majestätischer Baum. Auf dem Wagen strahlt das Kovīdāra-Banner, dessen Stamm hoch emporragt.“
There on that chariot, is a banner shining brilliantly with the emblem of a lofty majestic Kovidara tree with a large trunk.
FAQs
Dharma in governance and war includes clear insignia and accountability—identifying forces truthfully to avoid unjust action.
Lakṣmaṇa points to a distinctive banner on a chariot as evidence for identifying the approaching leader/army.
Attentive observation—using concrete signs rather than vague fear.
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