Shloka 25
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 107: Karṇa–Bhīma Saṃmarda
Arrow-storm Engagement
केतु: काञ्चनचित्रा ड्रैर्मयूरिरुपशोभित: । स केतु: शो भयामास सैन्यं ते भरतर्षभ,महाराज! शलके ध्वजमें चाँदीका महान् गजराज बना हुआ था। भरतश्रेष्ठ! वह ध्वज सुवर्णनिर्मित विचित्र अंगोंवाले मयूरोंसे सुशोभित था और आपकी सेनाकी शोभा बढ़ा रहा था
sañjaya uvāca | ketuḥ kāñcanacitraḥ draiḥ mayūraiḥ upaśobhitaḥ | sa ketuḥ śobhayāmāsa sainyaṃ te bharatarṣabha mahārāja ||
Sañjaya said: O great king, O bull among the Bharatas, a banner—bright with gold and adorned with splendid peacocks of varied hues—stood out prominently. That standard enhanced the beauty and martial splendor of your army, serving as a visible emblem of royal power and the ordered might of the host on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward symbols—like a royal standard—function as markers of authority, cohesion, and morale in war. Ethically, it reminds readers that power often presents itself through dazzling emblems, yet such splendor is ultimately subordinate to right conduct (dharma) that determines true honor.
Sañjaya is describing the battlefield scene to the king: a richly ornamented banner, golden and decorated with peacock motifs, is visible and adds to the impressive appearance of the king’s army.