Shloka 21
धनुर्ज्या चन्द्रताराड़का पताकाकिड्किणीयुता । पश्य कर्णार्जुनस्यैषा सौदामन्यम्बरे यथा,“कर्ण! देखो, अर्जुनके धनुषकी यह प्रत्यंचा तथा चन्द्रमा और तारोंसे चिह्नित यह रथकी पताका है, जिसमें छोटी-छोटी घंटियाँ लगी हैं, वह आकाशमें बिजलीके समान चमक रही है
dhanurjyā candratārāṅkitā patākā kiṅkiṇīyutā | paśya karṇārjunasya eṣā saudāmanī ambare yathā ||
“Oh, Karna, mira: esta cuerda del arco y este estandarte del carro de Arjuna, marcado con la luna y las estrellas y adornado con diminutas campanillas, fulgura en el cielo como un relámpago.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya conduct in war: courage expressed openly, confidence grounded in preparedness, and the use of visible symbols (banner, bowstring) to assert resolve without deceit—honor and psychological steadiness amid conflict.
On the battlefield, Arjuna addresses Karna and draws attention to his own martial insignia—his bowstring and the chariot-banner marked with moon and stars, ringing with bells—describing it as flashing like lightning in the sky, a vivid challenge and declaration of readiness for combat.