Shloka 24
अध्याय ५५ — भीष्मस्य प्रचण्डविक्रमः, अर्जुनप्रत्युत्तरं, कृष्णस्य चक्रोद्यतिः
Chapter 55: Bhīṣma’s onslaught, Arjuna’s counter, and Kṛṣṇa’s raised discus
ततः श्वेतैर्हयैर्युक्ते महति स्यन्दने स्थितौ । प्रदध्मतु: शड्खवरौ हेमरत्नपरिष्कृती
tataḥ śvetair hayair yukte mahati syandane sthitau | pradadhmatuḥ śaṅkhavarau hemaratnapariṣkṛtī ||
Then, seated on that great chariot yoked with white horses, Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna blew their excellent conches, adorned with gold and gems—an auspicious yet martial proclamation.
(संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores decisive commitment to one’s rightful duty (dharma) in a grave moral crisis: the sounding of conches symbolizes readiness, clarity of purpose, and leadership grounded in righteous resolve rather than hesitation.
Sañjaya describes Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna seated on a great chariot drawn by white horses; they blow their splendid, gold-and-gem-adorned conches, signaling the commencement of battle and rallying their side.