Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 11
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali; Dharma and Bhūmi Lament Kṛṣṇa’s Departure
स्वलङ्कृतं श्यामतुरङ्गयोजितं रथं मृगेन्द्रध्वजमाश्रित: पुरात् । वृतो रथाश्वद्विपपत्तियुक्तया स्वसेनया दिग्विजयाय निर्गत: ॥ ११ ॥
svalaṅkṛtaṁ śyāma-turaṅga-yojitaṁ rathaṁ mṛgendra-dhvajam āśritaḥ purāt vṛto rathāśva-dvipapatti-yuktayā sva-senayā digvijayāya nirgataḥ
स्वलङ्कृतं श्यामतुरङ्गयोजितं मृगेन्द्रध्वजं रथं पुरात् समाश्रित्य, रथाश्वद्विपपत्तियुक्तया स्वसेनया वृतः स दिग्विजयाय निर्गतः।
Mahārāja Parīkṣit is distinguished from his grandfather Arjuna, for black horses pulled his chariot instead of white horses. He marked his flag with the mark of a lion, and his grandfather marked his with the mark of Hanumānjī. A royal procession like that of Mahārāja Parīkṣit surrounded by well-decorated chariots, cavalry, elephants, infantry and band not only is pleasing to the eyes, but also is a sign of a civilization that is aesthetic even on the fighting front.
FAQs
In this verse, digvijaya refers to Mahārāja Parīkṣit’s royal expedition—setting out with a complete army to establish righteous rule in all directions, as was the custom of ideal kings.
Śukadeva describes the King departing in the traditional manner of a kṣatriya ruler—fully equipped with chariots, cavalry, elephants, and infantry—to uphold dharma and secure the realm.
It highlights purposeful leadership and preparedness: act with dignity, organize your resources responsibly, and take initiative to protect what is right in your sphere of duty.