Shloka 49
भीष्मस्य मध्याह्नयुद्धवर्णनम् / Mid-day Battle Description: Bhīṣma Engaged by the Pāñcālas
जातरूपमयै: पुड्खै राजतैर्निशिता: शरा: । तैलधौता व्यराजन्त निर्मुक्तभुजगोपमा:,सोने अथवा चाँदीके पंखोंसे युक्त तथा तेलके धोये हुए तीखे बाण केचुल छोड़कर निकले हुए सर्पोंके समान सुशोभित होते थे
sañjaya uvāca |
jātarūpamayaḥ puṅkhai rajatair niśitāḥ śarāḥ |
tailadhautā vyarājanta nirmuktabhujagopamāḥ ||
संजय म्हणाला—सोने वा चांदीच्या पिसांनी युक्त, तेलाने धुतलेले ते तीक्ष्ण बाण तेजाने झळकत होते—जणू बंधनातून सुटलेले सर्प।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the paradox of war: refinement, wealth, and craftsmanship can make weapons appear beautiful, yet their purpose remains lethal. It invites reflection on how outward splendor can mask destructive intent, a recurring ethical tension in the Mahābhārata’s war narrative.
Sañjaya describes the battlefield armaments: sharp arrows with gold and silver fletchings, polished with oil, gleaming as they are readied or released—compared to freed serpents to convey speed, menace, and living-like motion.