Shloka 18
भीमसेन-दुर्योधन-समागमः
Bhīmasena–Duryodhana Engagement at Sunset
कवचानां विचित्राणां भूषणानां प्रभास्तथा । खं दिश: प्रदिशश्वैव भासयामासुरोजसा,वे तथा विचित्र कवचों और आभूषणोंके प्रभा-समूह आकाश, दिशा एवं कोणोंको अपने तेजसे प्रकाशित कर रहे थे
kavacānāṃ vicitrāṇāṃ bhūṣaṇānāṃ prabhās tathā | khaṃ diśaḥ pradiśaś caiva bhāsayāmāsur ojasā ||
Sañjaya said: The radiance of the many-colored armours and ornaments blazed forth with such power that it lit up the sky, the directions, and the intermediate quarters.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahābhārata contrast: the dazzling external glory of war (armour and ornaments) can beautify the scene even while it leads to suffering. It invites reflection on how appearances and martial splendour may mask the grave ethical cost of conflict.
Sañjaya is describing the battlefield: the warriors’ colourful armours and ornaments shine so intensely that they seem to illuminate the sky and all directions, conveying the scale, preparedness, and dramatic atmosphere of the armies assembled for combat.