Droṇasya raudra-prayogaḥ
Droṇa’s intensified assault and the Pāṇḍava response
ककुदं सर्वसैन्यानां धाम सर्वधनुष्मताम् । आदित्यपथग: केतु: पार्थस्यामिततेजस:
kakudaṁ sarvasainyānāṁ dhāma sarvadhanuṣmatām | ādityapathagaḥ ketuḥ pārthasyāmitatejasaḥ ||
संजय बोले—वह समस्त सेनाओं का शिरोमणि, समस्त धनुर्धरों का तेजस्वी आश्रय था। सूर्यपथ पर चलने वाले ध्वज के समान, अमित तेज वाले पार्थ अर्जुन अपनी सेना के लिये केतु-स्वरूप होकर खड़े थे।
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights how righteous leadership in crisis is expressed through visible courage and steadiness: a single exemplary warrior can become a ‘banner’ for an entire force—strengthening morale, unifying purpose, and embodying the martial dharma expected in a dharma-yuddha setting.
Sanjaya is describing Arjuna’s stature on the battlefield during the Drona Parva events, portraying him as the foremost among armies and archers—radiant like a celestial sign—whose presence functions as an emblem of confidence for his side.