Shloka 88
अलंबलवधः (Alaṃbala-vadhaḥ) / The Slaying of Alaṃbala and the Advance toward Karṇa
हेमकक्ष्याध्वजोपेतं क्लृप्तयन्त्रपताकिनम् | अग्रयं रथं सुयन्तारं बहुशस्त्रपरिच्छदम्,उसमें सुवर्णमयी रज्जुसे आवेष्टित ध्वजा फहरा रही थी। वह रथ यन्त्र और पताकाओंसे सुशोभित था। उसके भीतर बहुत-से अस्त्र-शस्त्र आदि आवश्यक सामान रखे गये थे। उस श्रेष्ठ रथका सारथि भी सुयोग्य था
sañjaya uvāca | hemakakṣyādhvajopetaṃ klṛptayantrapatākinam | agryaṃ rathaṃ suyantāraṃ bahuśastraparicchadam |
Sañjaya said: “It was a foremost chariot, furnished with a banner bound with golden straps, fitted with well-arranged mechanisms and adorned with pennants. It was well-equipped with many weapons and implements, and it had a highly competent charioteer.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal of disciplined readiness in a righteous conflict: excellence is shown not only by power but by proper preparation—well-made equipment, clear insignia, and a competent charioteer—implying responsibility and order amid warfare.
Sañjaya is describing a splendid, battle-ready chariot—its golden-bound banner, mechanical fittings, pennants, abundant weaponry, and skilled driver—setting the scene for the ensuing martial action in the Drona Parva.