Shloka 46
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय 54: फल्गुन-प्रतिरोधः, सौबली-व्यूह-विध्वंसः, दुर्योधन-भीष्म-संवादः
बभूव परमोपेत: सुमेरुरिव भानुना । आर्य! रथके मार्गोंपर अर्जुनका वह ध्वज नृत्य करता-सा प्रतीत होता था। उस रत्नयुक्त ध्वजसे अर्जुनकी और गाण्डीवधारी अर्जुनसे उस ध्वजकी बड़ी शोभा होती थी
sañjaya uvāca | babhūva paramopetaḥ sumerur iva bhānunā | ārya! rathake mārge upari arjunakā sa dhvajaḥ nṛtya karatā-sā pratīta hotā thā | tasya ratna-yuktasya dhvajasyārjunasya ca gāṇḍīva-dhāriṇaḥ arjunasya ca dhvajasyāpi mahān śobhā babhūva | yathā meru-parvatasya sūryeṇa sūryasya ca meru-parvateṇa śobhā bhavati ||
Sañjaya said: “O noble one, Arjuna appeared supremely adorned—like Mount Meru illuminated by the sun. As his chariot moved along the road, his jeweled banner seemed to dance. That gem-studded standard enhanced Arjuna’s splendor, and Arjuna, bearer of the Gāṇḍīva, in turn enhanced the banner’s glory—just as Meru is beautified by the sun, and the sun’s radiance is made more striking by Meru.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how inner excellence (Arjuna’s valor and readiness) and outer symbols of duty (the jeweled banner, chariot insignia) mutually reinforce each other. In a dharmic context, rightful strength is not mere display; it becomes a sign of purpose and moral resolve, making the warrior’s presence inspiring and formidable.
Sanjaya, narrating to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, describes Arjuna advancing in his chariot. His gem-studded banner seems to ‘dance’ as the chariot moves, and Sanjaya uses the Meru-and-sun comparison to convey the extraordinary splendor and auspicious prominence of Arjuna and his standard on the battlefield.