Shloka 17
अध्याय ८२ — केशवप्रयाणे निमित्तदर्शनम्
Omens and Reception During Keśava’s Departure
तरुणादित्यसंकाशं बृहन्तं चारुदर्शनम् | मणिहेमविचित्राड्गं सुध्वजं सुपताकिनम्,वह तरुण सूर्यके समान प्रकाशमान, विशाल तथा देखनेमें मनोहर था। उसके सभी भागोंमें मणि एवं सुवर्ण जड़े हुए थे। उस रथकी ध्वजा बहुत ही सुन्दर थी और उसपर उत्तम पताका फहरा रही थी
taruṇādityasaṅkāśaṃ bṛhantaṃ cārudarśanam | maṇihemavicitrāṅgaṃ sudhvajaṃ supatākinam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “It shone like the young sun—vast in size and delightful to behold. Its limbs were richly adorned with inlaid gems and gold; its banner was splendid, and a fine pennant fluttered upon it.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward magnificence—radiance, ornamentation, and martial insignia—functions as a cultural sign of royal power and readiness for conflict. Ethically, it frames the gravity of impending war: splendid instruments of battle can be aesthetically captivating, yet they serve a serious, dharma-laden purpose in the narrative.
Vaiśaṃpāyana is describing a chariot in vivid, elevated imagery: it gleams like the rising sun, is large and handsome, decorated with gems and gold, and marked by a beautiful banner and fluttering pennant—setting a majestic tone for the events of the Udyoga Parva as preparations and displays of power intensify.