Shloka 196

Bhūriśravas–Sātyaki Saṃvāda and Duel; Arjuna’s Intervention (भूरिश्रवाः–सात्यकि संवादः, युद्धम्, अर्जुन-हस्तक्षेपः)

Devanagari script

रथेनादित्यवर्णेन भास्वरेण पताकिना । तदनन्तर सात्यकिकी सम्मतिके अनुसार सारथि सूर्यके समान तेजस्वी तथा पताकाओंसे विभूषित रथके द्वारा धीरे-धीरे आगे बढ़ा

Transliteration

rathenādityavarṇena bhāsvareṇa patākinā | tadanantaraṃ sātyakikiḥ sammatiṃ kṛtvā anusaransārathiḥ sūryake samāna-tejasvī tathā patākābhiḥ vibhūṣita-rathena dhīre-dhīre agre abhavat |

Translation

Sañjaya said: Then, following the agreed plan, Sātyaki advanced steadily, moving forward in a radiant chariot—sun-hued, blazing with splendor, and adorned with fluttering banners. The image underscores disciplined resolve amid the chaos of war: purposeful movement guided by counsel rather than impulsive fury.

Word by Word

• रथेन: by/with a chariot
• रथेन: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: रथ
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Singular

• आदित्यवर्णेन: having the color of the sun
• आदित्यवर्णेन: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: आदित्यवर्ण
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Singular

• भास्वरेण: shining, radiant
• भास्वरेण: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: भास्वर
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Singular

• पताकिना: bannered; having a flag
• पताकिना: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: पताकिन्
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Singular

Speaker

संजय उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Sañjaya
• Sātyaki
• chariot (ratha)
• banners/flags (patākāḥ)
• Sun (Āditya/Sūrya)

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

Even in warfare, right action is marked by steadiness and adherence to counsel—moving with composure and purpose rather than being driven by uncontrolled rage. The verse highlights disciplined resolve as a dharmic quality in crisis.

What is happening in the narrative?

Sañjaya narrates that Sātyaki, after aligning with an agreed decision/plan, proceeds forward in a splendid, sun-bright chariot decorated with banners, advancing steadily into the battle scene.