Shloka 7
Āraṇyaka-parva, Adhyāya 17 — Śālva’s encampment and the Yādava counter-engagement at Dvārakā
जलेचर: काञ्चनयष्टिसंस्थो व्यात्तानन: सर्वतिमिप्रमाथी । वित्रासयन् राजति वाहमुख्ये शाल्वस्य सेनाप्रमुखे ध्वजाग्रय:,शाल्वकी सेनाके ठीक सामने प्रद्युम्नके श्रेष्ठ रथपर उनकी उत्तम ध्वजा फहराती हुई शोभा पा रही थी। उस ध्वजाके सुवर्णमय दण्डके ऊपर सब तिमि नामक जल-जन्तुओंका प्रमथन करनेवाले मुँह बाये एक मगरमच्छका चिह्न था। वह शशत्रुसैनिकोंको अत्यन्त भयभीत कर रहा था
jalecaraḥ kāñcanayaṣṭisaṃstho vyāttānanaḥ sarvatimipramāthī | vitrāsayan rājati vāhamukhye śālvasya senāpramukhe dhvajāgryaḥ ||
At the very front of Śālva’s army, upon the foremost chariot, a splendid banner shone. Fixed on a golden staff was the emblem of a crocodile—its jaws gaping—renowned as a destroyer of all the great sea-creatures called timi. That very standard, blazing with martial pride, struck deep terror into the enemy ranks, proclaiming the charioteer’s might and the intimidation that precedes battle.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how symbols of power—like a warrior’s banner and emblem—function ethically and strategically in war: they proclaim identity, inspire one’s own side, and intimidate opponents. It underscores the epic theme that courage and reputation are projected not only through deeds but also through recognized signs of prowess.
Vāyudeva describes a prominent battle formation: at the head of Śālva’s forces, a foremost chariot bears a magnificent standard on a golden pole, marked with a gaping-jawed crocodile emblem famed for overpowering timi sea-creatures. The sight of this banner terrifies the opposing soldiers.