Shloka 19
तस्यापि गोमायुबलाभिगुप्तो बभूव केतुर्ज्वलनार्कतुल्य: । स चापि रूपेण घटोत्कचस्य श्रीमत्तमो व्याकुलदीपितास्य:,अलायुधका ध्वज भी अग्नि और सूर्यके समान तेजस्वी था। वह गीदड़-समूहसे चिह्नित दिखायी देता था। उसका स्वरूप भी घटोत्कचके ही समान अत्यन्त कान्तिमान् था। उसका मुख भी विकराल एवं प्रज्वलित जान पड़ता था
tasyāpi gomāyu-balābhigupto babhūva ketur jvalanārka-tulyaḥ | sa cāpi rūpeṇa ghaṭotkacasya śrīmattamo vyākula-dīptitāsyaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: His banner too was guarded and marked by a host of jackals, blazing like fire and the sun. In form he appeared most splendid, resembling Ghaṭotkaca himself; and his face looked fierce—restless and aflame—signaling a terrifying, ominous presence on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs—banners, symbols, and fearful appearances—function as psychological and moral signals in war: they can intimidate, foreshadow destruction, and reveal the ferocity (or ominous nature) of a combatant, reminding readers that warfare is not only physical but also symbolic and mental.
Sañjaya describes a warrior’s banner and appearance: the standard blazes like fire and the sun and is associated with jackals (an ominous sign). The warrior’s form resembles Ghaṭotkaca, with a radiant yet terrifying, flame-like face—emphasizing the dread he inspires on the battlefield.