Shloka 186
Droṇasya raudra-prayogaḥ
Droṇa’s intensified assault and the Pāṇḍava response
हस्तिकक्ष्यो महाकेतुर्ब भौ सूर्यसमद्युति: । उसका अत्यन्त कान्तिमान् विशाल ध्वज बहुत ऊँचा था। उसमें हाथीको बाँधनेवाली साँकलका चिह्न सुशोभित था। वह ध्वज अपने सैनिकोंका हर्ष बढ़ाता हुआ सूर्यके समान देदीप्यमान हो रहा था
hastikakṣyo mahāketur babhau sūrya-samadyutiḥ |
हस्तिकक्ष्यो महाकेतुर्बभौ सूर्यसमद्युति: ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how external symbols—standards, emblems, and splendour—can intensify collective emotion in war, strengthening courage and resolve. Ethically, it hints at the double-edged nature of martial glory: it inspires duty and unity, yet also magnifies the momentum of violence.
Sañjaya describes a magnificent war-banner: very tall, brilliant like the sun, and distinguished by the emblem of an elephant-tethering chain. Its splendour boosts the enthusiasm of the soldiers on the battlefield.