Shloka 8
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 55 — Sañjaya’s Report on Pāṇḍava Readiness and Arjuna’s Dhvaja
ध्वजे हि तस्मिन् रूपाणि चक्ुस्ते देवमायया । महाधनानि दिव्यानि महान्ति च लघूनि च,उन तीनोंने देवमायाके द्वारा उस ध्वजमें छोटी-बड़ी अनेक प्रकारकी बहुमूल्य एवं दिव्य मूर्तियोंका निर्माण किया है
dhvaje hi tasmin rūpāṇi cakṣuste devamāyayā | mahādhanāni divyāni mahānti ca laghūni ca ||
Sañjaya dijo: Sobre aquel estandarte, por el poder de la ilusión divina, aparecieron muchas formas—celestiales y de valor inmenso—unas vastas y otras pequeñas. Así, la enseña se volvió un despliegue de imágenes prodigiosas y de otro mundo, sugiriendo que la guerra es precedida no solo por armas y estrategia, sino también por señales destinadas a sobrecoger la mente y mover la determinación.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how perception can be shaped by higher powers (deva-māyā): in moments leading to conflict, awe-inspiring signs and displays can influence courage, fear, and judgment. Ethically, it cautions that appearances—however dazzling—are not themselves dharma; discernment is needed amid spectacle.
Sanjaya describes a war-banner on which many divine, precious forms appear—large and small—through supernatural power. The scene functions as an omen-like, morale-shaping display in the build-up to the great war.