Shloka 14
धृतराष्ट्र-संजय-संवादः — सात्यकि-अलम्बुसयोर्युद्धवर्णनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Saṃjaya Dialogue; Account of Sātyaki vs Alambusa
चक्रैविमथितैश्छत्रैर्ध्वजैश्न विनिपातितै: । अनुकर्ष: पताकाभि: शिरस्त्राणै: सकाउ्चनै:
cakrair vimathitaiś chatrair dhvajaiś ca vinipātitaiḥ | anukarṣaḥ patākābhiḥ śirastrāṇaiḥ sa-kauñcanaiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “There was a dragging and sweeping along of the battlefield’s emblems—umbrellas crushed by chariot-wheels, standards struck down and fallen, banners trailing on the ground, and helmets with their golden ornaments—signs of the violent overturning of royal order in war, where the marks of honor are reduced to debris amid the clash of arms.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the fragility of worldly honor and royal insignia: in war, symbols of sovereignty—umbrellas, standards, banners—are easily destroyed, reminding the listener that status and display are impermanent when adharma and violence prevail.
Sañjaya paints a vivid battlefield scene: chariot wheels have crushed royal parasols, standards have been knocked down, banners trail along the ground, and helmets with golden fittings lie dragged about—evidence of intense fighting and disorder.