Shloka 98
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
सच पारावताश्वस्य रथे हेमपरिष्कृते । कोविदारध्वजं दृष्टवा भीमसेन: समाश्वसत्
sa ca pārāvatāśvasya rathe hemapariṣkṛte | kovidāradhvajaṃ dṛṣṭvā bhīmasenaḥ samāśvasat ||
Sañjaya dit : Voyant flotter l’étendard marqué de l’arbre kovidāra sur le char splendide, orné d’or et attelé de chevaux couleur de colombe—le char de Dhṛṣṭadyumna—Bhīmasena sentit monter en lui une profonde assurance. Au cœur des incertitudes de la guerre, l’emblème d’un allié sûr et sa préparation affermissent l’esprit et raniment la résolution d’accomplir son devoir.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a crisis like war, confidence is strengthened by reliable companions and clear signs of preparedness. The verse highlights how symbols of allied strength and leadership can steady one’s mind, helping a warrior remain firm in dharma—performing one’s duty without wavering.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma noticing Dhr̥ṣṭadyumna’s richly decorated chariot, drawn by dove-coloured horses, with a banner bearing the kovidāra (kacanāra) emblem. Seeing this, Bhīma feels reassured and encouraged on the battlefield.