Shloka 93
कर्णस्याशीविषनि भा रत्नसारमयी दृढा । पुरन्दरधनु:प्रख्या हस्तिकक्ष्या व्ययाजत,कर्णके ध्वजकी पताकामें हाथीकी साँकलका चिह्न था, वह साँकल रत्नसारमयी, सुदृढ़ और विषधर सर्पके समान आकारवाली थी। वह आकाशमें इन्द्रधनुषके समान शोभा पाती थी
karṇasyāśīviṣanibhā ratnasāramayī dṛḍhā | purandaradhanuḥprakhyā hastikakṣyā vyayājata ||
Sañjaya said: Upon Karṇa’s banner there shone an elephant-girth, a chain-like emblem, fashioned of the essence of jewels, firm and unyielding. Coiled like a venomous serpent and radiant like Indra’s bow in the sky, it proclaimed the splendor and martial pride of Karṇa’s war-ensign amid the righteous yet devastating conflict.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how outward splendor—martial emblems, banners, and radiant insignia—can project power and prestige in war, yet remains part of a larger dharmic tragedy where brilliance and strength do not by themselves determine righteousness or ultimate outcome.
Sañjaya is describing Karṇa’s war-standard: an elephant-chain-like emblem on the banner, jewel-made and strong, shaped like a venomous serpent and shining like Indra’s rainbow—highlighting Karṇa’s formidable presence on the battlefield.