Shloka 44
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय 54: फल्गुन-प्रतिरोधः, सौबली-व्यूह-विध्वंसः, दुर्योधन-भीष्म-संवादः
इन्द्रायुधसवर्णाभि: पताकाभिरलड्कृत: । आकाशग इवाकाशे गन्धर्वनगरोपम:,इन्द्रधनुषके रंगकी पताकाएँ उस ध्वजकी शोभा बढ़ाती थीं। वह ध्वज आकाशमें आकाशचारी पक्षीकी भाँति बिना आधारके ही चलता था। वह दूरसे गन्धर्वनगरके समान जान पड़ता था
sañjaya uvāca |
indrāyudhasavarṇābhiḥ patākābhir alaṅkṛtaḥ |
ākāśaga ivākāśe gandharvanagaropamaḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: Dihiasi panji-panji berwarna seperti pelangi Indra, panji itu bertambah seri. Ia tampak bergerak di angkasa seolah-olah tanpa sokongan, laksana burung meluncur di ruang terbuka. Dari jauh, ia kelihatan seperti kota langit kaum Gandharva—suatu pemandangan gemerlap di tengah getirnya medan perang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward magnificence—royal standards, dazzling colors, celestial comparisons—can coexist with the harshness of war. It invites discernment: do not mistake spectacle for righteousness; evaluate actions by dharma rather than by splendor.
Sañjaya is describing a prominent war-standard (dhvaja implied) decorated with rainbow-like banners. Its movement and brilliance make it seem like a floating, otherworldly city of the Gandharvas when seen from a distance.