Shloka 38
ध्वजवर्णनम् | Dhvaja-varṇanam
Description of War Standards
विश्वकर्मकृतर्दिव्यैरश्वानपि विभूषितान् बलाहकं मेघपुष्पं शैब्यं सुग्रीवमेव च
viśvakarmakṛtair divyair aśvān api vibhūṣitān balāhakaṃ meghapuṣpaṃ śaibyaṃ sugrīvam eva ca
Sañjaya said: “He had even the horses—divine and fashioned by Viśvakarman—adorned and harnessed: Balāhaka, Meghapuṣpa, Śaibya, and also Sugrīva.” In the war narrative, the verse highlights the extraordinary, almost superhuman preparedness and splendor of the warrior’s chariot-team, underscoring how martial power is amplified by divine craftsmanship and careful equipment—an ethical reminder that prowess in battle is not merely personal valor but also the result of resources, support, and deliberate preparation.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes that battlefield effectiveness is supported by more than individual heroism: divine-quality resources, skilled craftsmanship, and careful adornment/equipment contribute to power. Ethically, it points to the role of preparation and support systems behind visible valor.
Sañjaya describes a warrior’s chariot-team: four named horses, described as divine and crafted by Viśvakarman, are adorned and ready—heightening the sense of formidable might and auspicious grandeur amid the Drona Parva battle account.