Shloka 116
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 107: Karṇa–Bhīma Saṃmarda
Arrow-storm Engagement
नन्दनं कौरवेन्द्राणां द्रौणेलक्ष्म समुच्छितम् अश्व॒त्थामाका इन्द्रध्वजके समान प्रकाशमान सुवर्णमय ऊँचा ध्वज वायुकी प्रेरणासे फहराता हुआ कौरव-नरेशोंका आनन्द बढ़ा रहा था
nandanam kauravendrāṇāṃ drauṇelakṣmā samucchitam | aśvatthāmāka indradhvajake samānaprakāśamānaṃ suvarṇamayaṃ ūrdhvaṃ dhvajaṃ vāyukī-preraṇayā phaharataḥ kaurava-nareśānām ānandaṃ vardhayām āsa ||
サンジャヤは言った。アシュヴァッターマンの高くそびえる黄金の旗は――インドラの旗のごとく輝き、ドローナの血統のしるしとして高々と掲げられ――風に促されて翻り、カウラヴァの諸王の歓びと自信をいよいよ増し加えた。戦のダルマが漂うこの場において、この光景は、権勢と血筋という外なる徴が誇りと士気を燃え立たせうることを示す。たとえ戦場が、ダルマのより深い正当性を厳しく試していようとも。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how symbols—banners, lineage-emblems, and displays of splendor—can intensify collective confidence and pride in war. Ethically, it hints at the contrast between external grandeur and the inner demands of dharma, reminding readers that morale fueled by spectacle does not guarantee righteousness.
Sañjaya describes Aśvatthāmā’s tall, golden standard, radiant like Indra’s banner, fluttering in the wind. Its sight increases the joy and confidence of the Kaurava rulers on the battlefield.