Mahabharata — Drona Parva, Shloka 116
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 107: Karṇa–Bhīma Saṃmarda
Arrow-storm Engagement
नन्दनं कौरवेन्द्राणां द्रौणेलक्ष्म समुच्छितम् अश्व॒त्थामाका इन्द्रध्वजके समान प्रकाशमान सुवर्णमय ऊँचा ध्वज वायुकी प्रेरणासे फहराता हुआ कौरव-नरेशोंका आनन्द बढ़ा रहा था
nandanam kauravendrāṇāṃ drauṇelakṣmā samucchitam | aśvatthāmāka indradhvajake samānaprakāśamānaṃ suvarṇamayaṃ ūrdhvaṃ dhvajaṃ vāyukī-preraṇayā phaharataḥ kaurava-nareśānām ānandaṃ vardhayām āsa ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Ang matayog na gintong watawat ni Aśvatthāmā—nagniningning na tulad ng pamantayan ni Indra at itinaas bilang sagisag ng angkan ni Droṇa—ay pumapagaspas sa udyok ng hangin at nagdaragdag ng galak at pananalig sa mga haring Kaurava. Sa himig-dharma ng digmaan, ipinahihiwatig ng larawang ito na ang panlabas na tanda ng kapangyarihan at lahi ay kayang magsiklab ng pagmamataas at sigla, kahit sinusubok ng larangan ang mas malalalim na pag-aangkin ng dharma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how symbols—banners, lineage-emblems, and displays of splendor—can intensify collective confidence and pride in war. Ethically, it hints at the contrast between external grandeur and the inner demands of dharma, reminding readers that morale fueled by spectacle does not guarantee righteousness.
Sañjaya describes Aśvatthāmā’s tall, golden standard, radiant like Indra’s banner, fluttering in the wind. Its sight increases the joy and confidence of the Kaurava rulers on the battlefield.