Shloka 17
अध्याय ८२ — केशवप्रयाणे निमित्तदर्शनम्
Omens and Reception During Keśava’s Departure
तरुणादित्यसंकाशं बृहन्तं चारुदर्शनम् | मणिहेमविचित्राड्गं सुध्वजं सुपताकिनम्
taruṇādityasaṅkāśaṃ bṛhantaṃ cārudarśanam | maṇihemavicitrāṅgaṃ sudhvajaṃ supatākinam ||
तो तरुण सूर्याप्रमाणे प्रकाशमान, विशाल आणि पाहण्यास मनोहर होता। त्याच्या सर्व अंगांवर मणि व सुवर्ण जडलेले होते। त्या रथाची ध्वजा अत्यंत सुंदर होती आणि त्यावर उत्तम पताका फडकत होती।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward magnificence—radiance, ornamentation, and martial insignia—functions as a cultural sign of royal power and readiness for conflict. Ethically, it frames the gravity of impending war: splendid instruments of battle can be aesthetically captivating, yet they serve a serious, dharma-laden purpose in the narrative.
Vaiśaṃpāyana is describing a chariot in vivid, elevated imagery: it gleams like the rising sun, is large and handsome, decorated with gems and gold, and marked by a beautiful banner and fluttering pennant—setting a majestic tone for the events of the Udyoga Parva as preparations and displays of power intensify.