Shloka 19
धारयन्तो ध्वजाग्रेषु द्रौपदेया महारथा: । सात्यकिश्रेकितानश्च धृष्टद्ुम्नशिखण्डिनौ
dhārayanto dhvajāgreṣu draupadeyā mahārathāḥ | sātyakiśrekitānaś ca dhṛṣṭadyumnaśikhaṇḍinau ||
Sanjaya said: The mighty chariot-warriors—the sons of Draupadī—were holding their standards aloft; and so too were Sātyaki and Śrekitān, along with Dhṛṣṭadyumna and Śikhaṇḍin. In the charged moral atmosphere of battle, the raised banners signify resolve, leadership, and the public affirmation of one’s chosen cause and comrades.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, conduct is framed by visible commitments—standards and banners symbolize responsibility to one’s side, commanders, and vows. The verse highlights disciplined solidarity and the ethical weight of leadership in a righteous cause.
Sanjaya lists prominent Pāṇḍava-aligned heroes—Draupadī’s sons, Sātyaki, Śrekitān, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, and Śikhaṇḍin—describing them as great chariot-warriors bearing their banners, indicating their readiness and formation in the ongoing battle.