Shloka 13
भीमसेन-दुर्योधन-समागमः
Bhīmasena–Duryodhana Engagement at Sunset
ध्वजिनो हेमचित्राड़ा विचरन्तो रणाजिरे । सपताका रथा रेजुर्वेयापत्रपरिवारणा:
sañjaya uvāca |
dhvajino hemacitrāḍhyā vicaranto raṇājire |
sapatākā rathā rejur vyāghrapatra-parivāraṇāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: On the battlefield, chariots moved to and fro—bearing banners, richly adorned with intricate gold-work, and covered with tiger-skins. Thus they shone in the midst of war, displaying the martial splendor that accompanies the warriors’ fierce resolve to contend for victory.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse does not offer a direct doctrinal injunction; it frames the ethical atmosphere of war by highlighting how outward splendor (gold, banners, prestigious coverings) accompanies inner resolve for victory. It implicitly contrasts the glamour of martial display with the grave reality of conflict, a recurring Mahābhārata theme about the costs and ambiguity of kṣatriya duty.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the scene on the battlefield: many chariots, bannered and flag-bearing, richly decorated with gold and covered with tiger-skins, are moving about and shining in the combat arena as the armies maneuver for engagement.