Shloka 173
Droṇa Encircled at Night: Coalition Advance and Battlefield Omens (द्रोणपर्यावरणं रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
विबभौ सर्वतः श्लिष्टं सविद्युदिव तोयद: । उनका काले लोहेका बना हुआ सुवर्णजटित बहुमूल्य कवच उनके सारे अंगोंमें सटकर बिजलीसहित मेघके समान सुशोभित हो रहा था
vibabhau sarvataḥ śliṣṭaṃ savidyud iva toyadaḥ |
Sanjaya berkata: Zirah itu melekat rapat di sekujur tubuhnya dan berkilau ke segala arah—laksana awan hujan yang disambar kilat. Terbuat dari besi hitam, bertatah emas, dan amat berharga, zirah itu menempel pada seluruh anggota badannya, memancarkan wibawa seperti mendung berkilat.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a vivid simile—armour shining like a lightning-lit cloud—to highlight how martial power and splendour can appear awe-inspiring, yet remain bound to the ethical gravity of warfare and the responsibilities of kṣatriya-dharma.
Sañjaya describes a warrior’s close-fitting, radiant armour, emphasizing his striking battlefield appearance through the comparison to a thundercloud streaked with lightning.