Shloka 21
Droṇa’s Defensive Stand and Abhimanyu Commissioned to Breach the Cakravyūha (द्रोणानीक-प्रतिरोधः; सौभद्र-नियोजनम्)
चामरव्यजनाक्षेपैरुदयन्निव भास्कर: । प्रमुखे तस्य सैन्यस्य द्रोणो5वस्थितनायक:
cāmaravyajanākṣepair udayann iva bhāskaraḥ | pramukhe tasya sainyasya droṇo 'vasthitanāyakaḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : Sous le va-et-vient des chāmara, ces éventails de queue de yak, et des chasse-mouches qu’on agitait autour de lui, Droṇa paraissait tel le soleil levant. Posté à l’extrême avant de cette armée comme chef suprême, il se tenait là, centre visible de l’autorité et de la résolution — image de splendeur guerrière qui exalte les siens et intimide l’ennemi, alors même que la justice de cette guerre demeure contestée.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs of honor and command—such as being fanned with cāmaras—project authority and morale in war. It implicitly contrasts the brilliance of martial display with the deeper question of dharma: splendor and power can inspire, yet they do not by themselves settle the ethical legitimacy of the conflict.
Sañjaya describes Droṇa positioned at the head of the army as its chief leader. Attended by ceremonial fans, he is compared to the rising sun—an image emphasizing his prominence, the army’s confidence in him, and the intimidating effect his presence is meant to have on the battlefield.