Shloka 28
धनूंषि चित्राणि निरीक्ष्य शल्य ध्वजान् गदा: सायकांश्रोग्ररूपान् | असिं च दीप्तं परमायुधं च शड्खं च शुभ्र॑ स्वनवन्तमुग्रम्,“शल्य! तत्पश्चात् उन्होंने भलीभाँति इस रथका निरीक्षण करके बहुत-से विचित्र धनुष, भयंकर बाण, ध्वज, गदा, खड्ग, चमचमाते हुए उत्तम आयुध तथा गम्भीर ध्वनिसे युक्त भयंकर श्वेत शंख भी दिये थे
dhanūṁṣi citrāṇi nirīkṣya śalya dhvajān gadāḥ sāyakāṁś cogra-rūpān | asiṁ ca dīptaṁ paramāyudhaṁ ca śaṅkhaṁ ca śubhraṁ svanavantam ugram ||
Sañjaya said: “O Śalya, having carefully inspected the chariot, they presented many wondrous bows, fearsome arrows, banners, maces, a blazing sword, other excellent supreme weapons, and also a white conch whose deep sound was formidable.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the disciplined readiness of a warrior culture: careful inspection and proper provisioning of arms and insignia. Ethically, it reflects kṣatriya-dharma—preparation and responsibility in battle—where power is paired with order, signaling (conch, banners), and accountability.
Sañjaya narrates to the blind king how Śalya is addressed while the chariot and its equipment are examined. A full set of formidable weapons and martial emblems—bows, arrows, banners, mace, sword, and a resounding white conch—are presented, emphasizing the gravity and ceremonial completeness of war preparation.