Shloka 56
अस्त्रयुद्धे द्रौणिपार्थसंघर्षः — Karṇa’s Bhārgavāstra and the Search for Yudhiṣṭhira
Chapter 45
सपताका रथाश्रैते पञज्चालानां महात्मनाम्,'ये महामनस्वी पांचाल वीरोंके रथ हैं, जिनपर पताकाएँ फहरा रही हैं। यह देखो, श्रेष्ठ वानरयुक्त ध्वजावाले अपराजित वीर कुन्तीकुमार अर्जुन आक्रमण करनेके लिये इधर ही आ रहे हैं
sapatākā rathāś caite pāñcālānāṁ mahātmanām | ye mahāmanasaḥ pāñcāla-vīrāṇāṁ rathāḥ, yeṣu patākāḥ praphullāḥ | paśyata, śreṣṭha-vānara-yukta-dhvajāvān aparājito vīraḥ kuntīkumāro 'rjunaḥ samākrāntum ihaiva āyāti ||
Sañjaya said: “These are the chariots of the great-souled Pāñcālas, bearing fluttering banners. Behold—Arjuna, the unconquered hero, Kuntī’s son, whose standard bears the noble monkey-emblem, is advancing here to launch his assault.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral force of disciplined valor: noble warriors are recognized not only by weapons but by symbols of purpose and steadfastness. Arjuna’s ‘unconquered’ epithet and emblematic standard suggest inner resolve aligned with dharma, where courage is grounded in duty rather than mere aggression.
Sañjaya points out the bannered chariots of the Pāñcāla allies and then draws attention to Arjuna approaching to attack. The mention of the monkey-emblem standard identifies Arjuna’s chariot and signals his imminent charge in the ongoing battle.