Mahabharata — Drona Parva, Shloka 53
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 107: Karṇa–Bhīma Saṃmarda
Arrow-storm Engagement
नानावर्णविरागाभि: शुशुभु: सर्वतो वृता: । वे परम शोभासम्पन्न अनेक प्रकारके बहुरंगे ध्वज सब ओरसे नाना रंगकी पताकाओंद्वारा घिरकर बड़ी शोभा पाते थे
nānāvarṇavirāgābhiḥ śuśubhuḥ sarvato vṛtāḥ |
Sañjaya disse: Cercados por todos os lados por estandartes e bandeirolas de muitas cores, tingidos com brilho, eles pareciam esplêndidos—uma exibição exterior de ordem marcial e confiança em meio à violência da guerra que se desenrolava.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the contrast between outward splendor and the grim reality of battle: military pageantry (banners, colors, order) can mask the ethical weight of violence, reminding the reader that visible glory is transient and does not by itself confer righteousness (dharma).
Sañjaya is describing a force (or warriors/units) that looks magnificent because it is encircled by many vividly colored banners and streamers on all sides—an image of organized might and morale within the Drona Parva’s war setting.