Shloka 8
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय 18: सेनानिनादः, ध्वज-दीप्तिः, भीष्मरक्षण-व्यवस्था च
Battle Muster: Soundscape, Banners, and the Protection of Bhīṣma
काज्चनै: कवचैर्वीरा ज्वलनार्कसमप्रभै: । संनद्धा: समदृश्यन्त ज्वलनार्कसमप्रभा:,अग्नि और सूर्यके समान कान्तिमान् कांचनमय कवच धारण किये वीर सैनिक अग्नि और सूर्यके ही तुल्य प्रकाशित दीख रहे थे
kāñcanaiḥ kavacair vīrā jvalanārka-samaprabhaiḥ | sannaddhāḥ samadṛśyanta jvalanārka-samaprabhāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: The heroic warriors, clad in golden cuirasses radiant like fire and the sun, appeared fully armed—shining forth with the very brilliance of flame and sunlight. The scene underscores the outward splendor and confidence of martial readiness, even as it foreshadows the grave moral weight of war that such dazzling preparation serves.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dazzling outward readiness and power of warriors, implicitly reminding the listener that such brilliance is in service of war—an arena where dharma and ethical responsibility are tested, not merely displays of strength.
Sañjaya describes the assembled fighters as fully armed and wearing golden armor, their appearance blazing like fire and the sun, emphasizing the formidable and awe-inspiring spectacle of the battlefield preparations.