पाण्डुपुत्रेण वै तस्य केतुं छिन्न॑ महात्मना
pāṇḍuputreṇa vai tasya ketuṃ chinnaṃ mahātmanā
संजय म्हणाला—महात्मा पांडुपुत्राने त्याचा केतू (ध्वज) छिन्न केला.
संजय उवाच
In a dharmic war narrative, striking the enemy’s standard symbolizes undermining arrogance and morale while still acting within a warrior’s duty—courage joined with disciplined purpose rather than cruelty.
Sañjaya reports that a Pāṇḍava hero severs the opponent’s banner (ketu), a battlefield moment indicating dominance and a turning of momentum against the enemy.