Shloka 26
Omens in the Kuru Host and Droṇa’s Recognition of Arjuna (क्लीबवेषधारी पार्थ-परिज्ञानम्)
स बिभ्रत् कवचं चाग्रयं स्वयमप्यंशुमत्प्रभम् । ध्वजं च सिंहमुच्छित्य सारथ्ये समकल्पयत्,फिर उसने स्वयं भी सूर्यके समान कान्तिमान् सुन्दर कवच धारण किया और रथपर सिंहध्वज फहराकर बृहन्नलाको सारथिके कार्यमें नियुक्त कर दिया
sa bibhrat kavacaṃ cāgryaṃ svayam apy aṃśumatprabham | dhvajaṃ ca siṃham ucchitya sārathye samakalpayat ||
Vaiśampāyana said: He himself donned an excellent coat of mail, radiant like the Sun, and, raising the lion-banner upon the chariot, appointed Bṛhannalā to the duty of charioteer—thus preparing with resolve and propriety for the coming encounter.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined readiness and proper delegation of roles: a leader equips himself appropriately and assigns duties according to capability, aligning action with kṣatriya-dharma and the demands of the moment.
The warrior prepares for battle by putting on splendid armor and hoisting the lion-banner on the chariot, then appoints Bṛhannalā as the charioteer—signaling formal readiness and the organization of the chariot team.