Shloka 4
उद्योगपर्व — अध्याय १४१: कर्ण–कृष्णसंवादः, उत्पात-स्वप्न-लक्षणानि
Karna–Krishna Dialogue: Omens and Dream-Signs
दिव्या माया विहिता भौमनेन समुच्छिता इन्द्रकेतुप्रकाशा । दिव्यानि भूतानि जयावहानि दृश्यन्ति चैवात्र भयानकानि,विश्वकर्माने उस ध्वजमें दिव्य मायाकी रचना की है। वह ऊँची ध्वजा इन्द्रध्वजके समान प्रकाशित होती है। उसके ऊपर विजयकी प्राप्ति करानेवाले दिव्य एवं भयंकर प्राणी दृष्टिगोचर होते हैं
sañjaya uvāca |
divyā māyā vihitā bhaumanena samucchitā indraketuprakāśā |
divyāni bhūtāni jayāvahāni dṛśyante caivātra bhayānakāni ||
A wondrous, divine illusion has been fashioned upon that banner by Viśvakarman (Bhaumana) and set aloft; it shines like Indra’s standard. Upon it are seen celestial beings—portents that promise victory—yet also forms that are terrifying to behold.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how royal power in the Mahābhārata is framed not only through human strategy but also through signs and crafted symbols: a banner can embody both auspicious promise (victory-bringing omens) and dread (terrifying forms), reminding listeners that war is morally weighty and psychologically overwhelming even when success is foretold.
Sañjaya reports the appearance of a lofty, radiant standard fashioned through divine craftsmanship (māyā) by Bhaumana/Viśvakarman. It shines like Indra’s banner, and on it appear supernatural figures—some interpreted as auspicious for victory, others frightening—serving as portent-laden imagery in the lead-up to conflict.