Shloka 49
Adhyāya 55: Pārtha–Rādheya Saṃvāda and Tactical Exchange
Chapter 55
यस्य नागो ध्वजाग्रेड्सौ हेमकेतनसंवृत: । धृतराष्ट्रात्मज: श्रीमानेष राजा सुयोधन:
yasya nāgo dhvajāgre ’sau hemaketana-saṁvṛtaḥ | dhṛtarāṣṭrātmajaḥ śrīmān eṣa rājā suyodhanaḥ ||
Arjuna said: “Behold that illustrious son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra—King Suyodhana (Duryodhana). His chariot-banner bears the emblem of a serpent at its forefront, and it is adorned with a golden pennon. Thus marked by royal splendor and martial display, he stands prominent among the warriors, signaling both his power and his pride as the conflict draws near.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs of power—royal splendor, banners, and emblems—announce a leader’s presence in war, yet they also hint at inner qualities such as pride and ambition. Ethically, it frames the battlefield as a place where one must recognize opponents clearly and act with discernment, not merely be swayed by display.
Arjuna points out Duryodhana (Suyodhana), identifying him by his distinctive banner marked with a serpent emblem and a golden pennon. This occurs in the Virāṭa context as the Kaurava forces are being observed and recognized before engagement.