Shloka 5
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय 18: सेनानिनादः, ध्वज-दीप्तिः, भीष्मरक्षण-व्यवस्था च
Battle Muster: Soundscape, Banners, and the Protection of Bhīṣma
तत्र नागा रथाश्वैव जाम्बूनदविभूषिता: । भ्राजमाना व्यदृश्यन्त मेघा इव सविद्युत:,उस रणक्षेत्रमें स्वर्णभूषित रथ और हाथी बिजलियोंसे युक्त मेघोंके समान सुशोभित दिखायी देते थे
tatra nāgā rathāś caiva jāmbūnadavibhūṣitāḥ | bhrājamānā vyadṛśyanta meghā iva savidyutaḥ ||
तत्र नागा रथाश्चैव जाम्बूनदविभूषिताः। भ्राजमाना व्यदृश्यन्त मेघा इव सविद्युतः॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores a moral contrast: dazzling external splendor (gold, shining war-gear) can coexist with grave violence. It invites reflection on how power and wealth, though beautiful, are ethically ambiguous when employed for war.
Sanjaya reports to Dhritarashtra what he sees at Kurukshetra: gold-adorned elephants and chariots gleam across the field, compared to lightning-filled clouds, emphasizing the scale and ominous magnificence of the assembled forces.