Shloka 93
कर्णस्याशीविषनि भा रत्नसारमयी दृढा । पुरन्दरधनु:प्रख्या हस्तिकक्ष्या व्ययाजत
karṇasyāśīviṣanibhā ratnasāramayī dṛḍhā | purandaradhanuḥprakhyā hastikakṣyā vyayājata ||
Sañjaya berkata: Pada panji Karṇa tampak bersinar lambang seperti ikatan-girth gajah (seakan rantai), ditempa daripada sari permata, teguh dan tidak mengalah. Berlingkar seperti ular berbisa dan bercahaya seperti busur Indra di langit, ia menzahirkan kemegahan serta kebanggaan kepahlawanan pada panji perang Karṇa di tengah konflik yang benar namun memusnahkan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how outward splendor—martial emblems, banners, and radiant insignia—can project power and prestige in war, yet remains part of a larger dharmic tragedy where brilliance and strength do not by themselves determine righteousness or ultimate outcome.
Sañjaya is describing Karṇa’s war-standard: an elephant-chain-like emblem on the banner, jewel-made and strong, shaped like a venomous serpent and shining like Indra’s rainbow—highlighting Karṇa’s formidable presence on the battlefield.