Shloka 8
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 107: Karṇa–Bhīma Saṃmarda
Arrow-storm Engagement
दोधूयमाना रथिनां शोभयन्ति महारथान् | भरतश्रेष्ठ! इन्द्रधनुषके समान प्रभावाली फहराती हुई पताकाएँ रथियोंके विशाल रथोंकी शोभा बढ़ाती थीं ।। सिंहलाड्गूलमुग्रास्यं ध्वजं वानरलक्षणम्
sañjaya uvāca | dodhūyamānā rathināṃ śobhayanti mahārathān | bharataśreṣṭha! indradhanuṣake samāna-prabhāvālī phaharātī huī patākāeṃ rathiyoṃke viśāla rathoṃkī śobhā baṛhātī thīṃ || siṃhalāṅgūla-mugrāsyaṃ dhvajaṃ vānaralakṣaṇam ||
ସଞ୍ଜୟ କହିଲେ—ହେ ଭରତଶ୍ରେଷ୍ଠ! ଦୋଳାୟମାନ ହୋଇ, ଇନ୍ଦ୍ରଧନୁଷ ସଦୃଶ ପ୍ରଭାବଶାଳୀ ଭାବେ ଫଡ଼ଫଡ଼ାଉଥିବା ସେଇ ପତାକାମାନେ ମହାରଥୀମାନଙ୍କ ବିଶାଳ ରଥଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଶୋଭା ବଢ଼ାଉଥିଲେ। ସେମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଥିଲା ଏକ ବାନର-ଲକ୍ଷଣ ଧ୍ୱଜ—ଉଗ୍ରମୁଖ, ସିଂହଲାଙ୍ଗୂଳଯୁକ୍ତ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward insignia—banners and emblems—serve as public declarations of identity, courage, and intent in war; ethically, it underscores the kṣatriya world where reputation, resolve, and visible standards reinforce collective morale and accountability.
Sanjaya describes the battlefield spectacle: great charioteers’ massive chariots are crowned by swaying, rainbow-bright banners, including a prominent standard bearing a monkey emblem with fierce, lion-tailed imagery.