Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 14
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
Wahai Raja, wahai putra Pāṇḍu! Pasukan para dewa dan para dānava berhias dengan panji-panji berwarna, payung dan kanopi putih bersih, gagang payung bertatah permata dan mutiara, serta kipas dan cāmara dari bulu merak. Ditiup angin, kain atas dan penutup kepala mereka berkibar; dalam sinar matahari, perisai, perhiasan, dan senjata yang tajam serta bening berkilau menyilaukan. Maka dua barisan bala itu tampak laksana dua samudra dengan untaian makhluk air.
FAQs
It describes them as splendidly decorated with colorful flags, pure white parasols, ornate standards, and ceremonial fans and cāmaras, highlighting the grandeur of the battlefield.
To vividly set the scene of the cosmic battle in Canto 8, showing the majesty and scale of the opposing forces before the conflict unfolds.
It reminds one that external splendor and power are temporary; a devotee should focus on inner purity and alignment with dharma rather than mere display.