Shloka 33
चित्रसेनगन्धर्वैः कौरवसंनिपातः
Citrasena and the Kaurava engagement
कुक्कुटश्नाग्निना दत्तस्तस्य केतुरलंकृत: । रथे समुच्छितो भाति कालाग्निरिव लोहितः,अग्निदेवने स्कन्दके लिये कुक्कुटके चिह्लसे अलंकृत ऊँचा ध्वज प्रदान किया था, जो रथपर अपनी अरुण प्रभासे प्रलयाग्निके समान उद्धासित होता था
kukkūṭaśnāgninā dattas tasya ketur alaṅkṛtaḥ | rathe samucchrito bhāti kālāgnir iva lohitaḥ ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: “To him, Agni—known as Kukkūṭaśnā—granted an ornamented banner. Raised high upon the chariot, that crimson standard shone like the fire of dissolution itself.” The verse underscores how divine gifts are portrayed as outward signs of inner power and destined purpose, inspiring awe and moral seriousness in the face of impending conflict.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how divine endowments (like a banner) function as moral-symbolic markers of authority and destined strength; such signs are meant to awaken reverence and gravity, reminding listeners that great power carries consequential responsibility.
Mārkaṇḍeya describes a hero’s chariot-banner bestowed by Agni. The standard, lifted high, blazes red like the cosmic fire of destruction, emphasizing the extraordinary, fearsome splendor associated with the recipient’s martial presence.