Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 13
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
चित्रध्वजपटै राजन्नातपत्रै: सितामलै: । महाधनैर्वज्रदण्डैर्व्यजनैर्बार्हचामरै: ॥ १३ ॥ वातोद्धूतोत्तरोष्णीषैरर्चिर्भिर्वर्मभूषणै: । स्फुरद्भिर्विशदै: शस्त्रै: सुतरां सूर्यरश्मिभि: ॥ १४ ॥ देवदानववीराणां ध्वजिन्यौ पाण्डुनन्दन । रेजतुर्वीरमालाभिर्यादसामिव सागरौ ॥ १५ ॥
citra-dhvaja-paṭai rājann ātapatraiḥ sitāmalaiḥ mahā-dhanair vajra-daṇḍair vyajanair bārha-cāmaraiḥ
Ô Roi, ô descendant de Pāṇḍu, les rangs des dieux et des démons étaient parés de dais, d’étendards chatoyants et d’ombrelles blanches et pures, aux manches sertis de gemmes et de perles. Des éventails de plumes de paon et des chāmaras ondoyaient; leurs vêtements flottaient au vent, et sous les rayons du soleil, boucliers, parures et armes nettes et tranchantes étincelaient. Ainsi, les deux armées resplendissaient comme deux océans ceints de guirlandes d’êtres aquatiques.
FAQs
It portrays the armies as splendidly arranged—colorful flags, spotless parasols, strong standards, and ceremonial fans—showing the grandeur of the impending divine conflict.
Śukadeva is narrating the scene directly to Mahārāja Parīkṣit, keeping the dialogue intimate while unfolding the battlefield’s majestic details.
Outer display can be impressive, but it is ultimately a backdrop—one should focus on the deeper purpose (dharma and devotion) behind life’s conflicts and endeavors.