Shloka 38
यशक्षु दर्पक्ष तथा प्रियाणि सर्वाणि कार्याणि च तेन केतुना । साकं कुरूणां हृदयानि चापतन् बभूव हाहेति च नि:स्वनो महान्,कटकर गिरते हुए उस ध्वजके साथ ही कौरवोंके यश, अभिमान, समस्त प्रिय कार्य तथा हृदयका भी पतन हो गया और चारों ओर महान् हाहाकार मच गया
sañjaya uvāca | yaśaś ca darpaś ca tathā priyāṇi sarvāṇi kāryāṇi ca tena ketunā | sākaṃ kurūṇāṃ hṛdayāni cāpatann babhūva hāheti ca niḥsvano mahān ||
Sañjaya said: With that fallen banner, the Kurus’ glory and pride collapsed as well; all their cherished hopes and undertakings were struck down, and even their hearts seemed to fall with it. Then a great cry of “Alas! Alas!” rose on every side—an ominous sound of collective despair in the midst of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how external symbols (like a banner) embody collective identity and resolve; when such a symbol falls, it can precipitate inner collapse—pride, confidence, and purpose—showing the ethical fragility of power grounded in arrogance rather than steadiness of dharma.
Sañjaya reports that a prominent banner has fallen; with it the Kaurava host feels its honor, pride, cherished aims, and courage collapsing, and a widespread cry of lamentation erupts across the battlefield.