Shloka 283
Droṇasya raudra-prayogaḥ
Droṇa’s intensified assault and the Pāṇḍava response
दीप्यन् दृश्येत हि तथा केतु: सर्वत्र धीमत: । जैसे प्रलयकालमें प्रज्वलित सूर्य सारी वसुधाको देदीप्यमान करते दिखायी देते हैं, उसी प्रकार बुद्धिमान् अर्जुनका वह विशाल ध्वज सर्वत्र प्रकाशमान दिखायी देता था
sañjaya uvāca | dīpyan dṛśyeta hi tathā ketuḥ sarvatra dhīmataḥ | yathā pralayakāle prajvalitaḥ sūryaḥ sarvāṃ vasudhāṃ dīpyamānaḥ dṛśyate, tathā buddhimato 'rjunasya sa mahān ketuḥ sarvatra prakāśamāno dṛśyate sma |
Sañjaya said: “So indeed, the wise one’s banner could be seen blazing everywhere. Just as, at the time of cosmic dissolution, the sun—kindled into a fierce radiance—appears to set the whole earth aflame with light, so too did that mighty standard of the discerning Arjuna appear, shining visibly in every direction.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses the image of overwhelming radiance to convey moral and martial eminence: a righteous champion’s presence becomes unmistakable, inspiring allies and warning opponents. The banner symbolizes visible resolve, reputation, and the force of dharma made manifest in action.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna’s great standard is conspicuously visible across the battlefield, blazing everywhere—likened to the sun’s terrifying brilliance at the time of pralaya—signaling Arjuna’s formidable presence in the Drona Parva war scene.