Shloka 4
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 42 — Duryodhana’s counsel to Bhīṣma on ajñātavāsa risk and raid strategy
सूर्या यत्र च सौवर्णास्त्रियो भासन्ति दंशिता: । तेजसा प्रज्वलन्तो हि कस्यैत्द धनुरुत्तमम्
sūryā yatra ca sauvarṇās trayo bhāsanti daṃśitāḥ | tejasā prajvalanto hi kasyaitad dhanur uttamam ||
Uttara said: “On which bow do three golden sun-emblems shine, set close together, blazing as if aflame with their own radiance? Whose is this excellent bow?”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment and reverence toward symbols of power: a weapon’s distinctive emblems signify lineage, mastery, and responsibility. It implicitly points to the ethical weight carried by martial excellence—such brilliance is not mere ornament, but a mark of a great warrior whose actions must align with dharma.
In the Virata Parva context, Uttara is examining weapons and notices a remarkable bow distinguished by three closely set golden sun-emblems. Struck by its radiance and uniqueness, he asks whose superb bow it is—an inquiry that foreshadows recognition of a famed warrior’s arms.