Shloka 155

Devanagari script

स ययौ घोररूपेण सुपताकेन भास्वता

Transliteration

sa yayau ghorarūpeṇa supatākena bhāsvatā

Translation

Sañjaya said: He advanced in a fearsome aspect, bearing a splendid banner and shining with radiance.

Word by Word

• सः: he
• सः: Karta
• Type: Noun
• Root: तद्
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

• ययौ: went
• ययौ: Karta
• Type: Verb
• Root: या (याति)
• Form: Perfect (Liṭ), 3rd, Singular

• घोररूपेण: with a terrible form
• घोररूपेण: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: घोररूप
• Form: Neuter, Instrumental, Singular

• सुपताकेन: with a splendid banner/standard
• सुपताकेन: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सुपताक
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Singular

• भास्वता: shining, radiant
• भास्वता: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: भास्वत्
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Singular

Speaker

संजय उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Sañjaya
• banner/standard (patākā)

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The verse highlights how outward signs—radiance, a banner, and a fearsome bearing—function in war as instruments of morale and intimidation. Ethically, it points to the Mahābhārata’s recurring tension: valor and display can be strategically effective, yet they also intensify the violence and fear that accompany adharma-prone conflict.

What is happening in the narrative?

Sañjaya reports that a warrior (not named in this single line) moves forward into action, appearing terrifying and conspicuous, with a splendid banner and a shining presence—suggesting a dramatic entry or advance on the battlefield.