Shloka 21
Droṇa’s Defensive Stand and Abhimanyu Commissioned to Breach the Cakravyūha (द्रोणानीक-प्रतिरोधः; सौभद्र-नियोजनम्)
चामरव्यजनाक्षेपैरुदयन्निव भास्कर: । प्रमुखे तस्य सैन्यस्य द्रोणो5वस्थितनायक:
cāmaravyajanākṣepair udayann iva bhāskaraḥ | pramukhe tasya sainyasya droṇo 'vasthitanāyakaḥ ||
サञ्जयは語った。ヤクの尾の扇（チャーマラ）と払子のような扇がさっと振られるたび、ドローナは昇りゆく太陽のごとく輝いて見えた。その軍の最前列に総大将として立ち、権威と決意の目に見える中心となっていた――味方を鼓舞し敵を威圧する武の壮麗な姿である。されど、この戦の正しさはなお論争の渦中にあった。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs of honor and command—such as being fanned with cāmaras—project authority and morale in war. It implicitly contrasts the brilliance of martial display with the deeper question of dharma: splendor and power can inspire, yet they do not by themselves settle the ethical legitimacy of the conflict.
Sañjaya describes Droṇa positioned at the head of the army as its chief leader. Attended by ceremonial fans, he is compared to the rising sun—an image emphasizing his prominence, the army’s confidence in him, and the intimidating effect his presence is meant to have on the battlefield.