Shloka 24
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 107: Karṇa–Bhīma Saṃmarda
Arrow-storm Engagement
शलस्य तु महाराज राजतो द्विरदो महान्,महाराज! शलके ध्वजमें चाँदीका महान् गजराज बना हुआ था। भरतश्रेष्ठ! वह ध्वज सुवर्णनिर्मित विचित्र अंगोंवाले मयूरोंसे सुशोभित था और आपकी सेनाकी शोभा बढ़ा रहा था
śalasya tu mahārāja rājato dvirado mahān | mahārāja śalake dhvajeṃ cāndī-kā mahān gajarājaḥ kṛtaḥ | bharataśreṣṭha sa dhvajaḥ suvarṇa-nirmita-vicitrāṅga-mayūraiḥ suśobhitaḥ tava senāyāḥ śobhāṃ vardhayām āsa ||
शलस्य तु महाराज राजतो द्विरदो महान्। ध्वजे रजतमयः श्रेष्ठो गजराजः प्रतिष्ठितः॥ सुवर्णनिर्मितैश्चित्रैर्मयूरैः स समन्वितः। भरतश्रेष्ठ तव सैन्यस्य शोभां स वर्धयन्॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how external symbols—banners, emblems, and royal artistry—are used to project power and morale in war. Ethically, it reminds the reader that martial glory often relies on spectacle and prestige, which can intensify attachment to victory and status even amid destructive conflict.
Sañjaya describes to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the striking standard of the warrior Śala: a banner bearing a large silver elephant and decorated with golden peacocks. The description emphasizes the visual grandeur of the Kaurava host and the atmosphere of the battlefield.