Shloka 183
Droṇa Encircled at Night: Coalition Advance and Battlefield Omens (द्रोणपर्यावरणं रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
कण्ठत्राणेन च बभौ सेन्द्रायुध इवाम्बुद: । लाल, पीले, काले और सफेद वस्त्रोंस अपने शरीरको सुसज्जित करके कण्ठत्राण पहनकर वे इन्द्रधनुषयुक्त मेघके समान शोभा पा रहे थे
kaṇṭhatrāṇena ca babhau sendrāyudha ivāmbudaḥ |
सञ्जय उवाच—कण्ठत्राणेन च बभौ सेन्द्रायुध इवाम्बुदः। स रक्तपीतकृष्णश्वेतवस्त्रैः स्वशरीरं सुसज्ज्य कण्ठत्राणं धृत्वा सेन्द्रायुधो मेघ इव शुशुभे।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse is primarily descriptive rather than doctrinal: it underscores disciplined preparedness (protective armor) and the paradox of beauty amid conflict, reminding readers that outward splendor in war does not erase the ethical gravity of violence.
Sañjaya describes a warrior’s appearance on the battlefield: wearing a neck-guard and multicolored attire, he looks like a raincloud lit with a rainbow, emphasizing his striking presence and readiness for combat.