Shloka 47
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
श्वेतच्छत्रै: पताकाभि ्षामरैश्न सुपाण्डुरै: । रथैनगि: पदातैश्न शुशुभेडतीव संकुला
śvetacchattraiḥ patākābhiḥ ṣāmaraiś ca supāṇḍuraiḥ | rathair nāgaiḥ padātaiś ca śuśubhe ’tīva saṅkulā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Adorned with white parasols, banners, and very pale fly-whisks, and crowded with chariots, elephants, and foot-soldiers, the scene shone brilliantly—its splendor heightened by the very press of the assembled host.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how royal authority and collective power are displayed through symbols (parasols, banners, attendants) and through the organized presence of the fourfold forces (chariots, elephants, infantry). It implicitly contrasts outward splendor with the weight of responsibility that accompanies such power.
Vaiśampāyana describes a grand, densely gathered martial or royal assembly. The crowd is visually striking—bright with white insignia and packed with chariots, elephants, and foot-soldiers—conveying the scale and magnificence of the gathering.