Shloka 39
द्रोणनिन्दाश्रवणं तथा सात्यकि–पार्षतविवादः
Hearing the reproach of Droṇa and the Sātyaki–Pārṣata dispute
लोहितार्द्रपताक॑ त॑ रक्तमाल्यविभूषितम् | कार्ष्णायसमयं घोरमृक्षचर्मसमावृतम्,उसके उस रथमें घोड़ोंक समान मुखवाले भयंकर पिशाच जुते हुए थे। उसपर लाल रंगकी आर्द्र पताका फहरा रही थी। उस रथको लाल रंगके फूलोंकी मालासे सजाया गया था। वह भयंकर रथ काले लोहेका बना था और उसके ऊपर रीछकी खाल मढ़ी हुई थी
lohitārdrapatākaṁ ca raktamālyavibhūṣitam | kārṣṇāyasamayaṁ ghoraṁ ṛkṣacarmasamāvṛtam ||
Sanjaya said: That chariot bore a damp crimson banner fluttering aloft and was adorned with garlands of red flowers. Terrifying in aspect, it was fashioned of black iron and covered over with a bear-skin—an ominous war-vehicle whose very appearance proclaimed ferocity and dread on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how war amplifies terror and intimidation: outward symbols—blood-red banners, iron construction, animal hides—are used to project fear. Ethically, it highlights the Mahabharata’s recurring contrast between inner virtue (dharma) and the frightening spectacle of violence that can overwhelm discernment.
Sanjaya is giving Dhritarashtra a vivid battlefield description, focusing on the appearance of a particular chariot—its red, damp banner, red garlands, black-iron build, and bear-skin covering—emphasizing its dreadful, ominous presence amid the fighting.