Shloka 4
श्वैतच्छत्रपताकाभि क्षामरव्यजनेन च । स बभौ राजलिजड्लैस्तैस्तारापतिरिवाम्बरे,श्वेत छत्र, पताका, चँवर और व्यजन--इन राजचिह्वोंसे वह आकाशकमें चन्द्रमाकी भाँति सुशोभित हो रहा था
śvaitacchatrapatākābhiḥ kṣāmaravyajanena ca | sa babhau rājalāñchitaiḥ tais tārāpatir ivāmbare ||
Sañjaya said: Adorned with a white royal parasol and banners, and attended by the pale-hued chowries and fans—those emblems of sovereignty—he shone forth like the lord of the stars (the Moon) in the sky. The verse underscores how outward insignia of kingship magnify a warrior’s presence in the midst of war, projecting authority and morale even amid impending violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how symbols of rightful authority—parasol, banners, chowries, and fans—serve to uphold a leader’s public stature and the army’s morale. Ethically, it points to the power of visible markers of responsibility: kingship is not merely personal glory but a role that must be borne with steadiness amid the chaos of war.
Sañjaya describes a prominent warrior/kingly figure on the battlefield being honored with royal emblems. With the white parasol, flags, and attendants waving chowries and fans, he appears radiant—likened to the Moon in the sky—signaling eminence and command in the ongoing Drona Parva battle scenes.