Shloka 43
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
ध्वजे कमण्डलुर्यस्य शातकौम्भमय: शुभ: । आचार्य एष हि द्रोण: सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वर:,जिनकी ध्वजामें सुन्दर सुवर्णमय कमण्डलु सुशोभित है, ये सम्पूर्ण शस्त्रधारियोंमें श्रेष्ठ आचार्य द्रोण हैं
dhvaje kamaṇḍalur yasya śātakaumbhamayaḥ śubhaḥ | ācārya eṣa hi droṇaḥ sarvaśastrabhṛtāṃ varaḥ ||
Arjuna said: “He whose banner is adorned with an auspicious water-pot (kamaṇḍalu) made of bright golden metal—this indeed is the preceptor Droṇa, the foremost among all who bear weapons.” In the midst of impending battle, Arjuna identifies not merely an enemy combatant but a revered teacher, highlighting the moral tension between duty in war and reverence owed to one’s guru.
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in warfare, discernment and moral awareness remain essential: Arjuna’s recognition of Droṇa as ‘ācārya’ underscores that opponents may be venerable figures, and that kṣatriya duty can collide with obligations of respect and gratitude toward one’s teacher.
Arjuna is identifying warriors by their distinguishing emblems. Seeing a banner marked by a golden kamaṇḍalu, he points out that the warrior is Droṇa, renowned as the greatest among weapon-bearers, thereby situating the coming conflict within a personal and ethical frame.