Mahabharata — Drona Parva, Shloka 9

Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 107: Karṇa–Bhīma Saṃmarda

Arrow-storm Engagement

Devanagari script

स वानरवरो राजन्‌ पताकाभिरलंकृत:

Transliteration

sa vānaravaro rājan patākābhir alaṅkṛtaḥ

Translation

Wika ni Sañjaya: O Hari, ang pinakadakilang unggoy na iyon, na pinalamutian ng mga watawat, ay namukod bilang lantad na sagisag ng lakas at paninindigan sa gitna ng kaguluhan ng digmaan—isang panlabas na tanda upang palakasin ang loob ng mga kakampi at guluhin ang diwa ng mga kaaway.

Word by Word

• सः: he
• सः: Karta
• Type: Pronoun
• Root: तद्
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

• वानरवरः: the best of monkeys
• वानरवरः: Karta
• Type: Noun
• Root: वानरवर
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

• राजन्: O king
• राजन्: Adhikarana
• Type: Noun
• Root: राजन्
• Form: Masculine, Vocative, Singular

• पताकाभिः: with banners/flags
• पताकाभिः: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: पताका
• Form: Feminine, Instrumental, Plural

• अलंकृतः: adorned, decorated
• अलंकृतः: Karta
• Type: Adjective
• Root: अलंकृत
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

Speaker

संजय उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Sañjaya
• rājan (Dhṛtarāṣṭra)
• vānaravara (foremost monkey)
• patākā (banners/flags)

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

In the Mahābhārata’s war narrative, visible symbols—such as banners and emblems—serve ethical and psychological functions: they consolidate collective courage, proclaim identity and purpose, and communicate resolve. The verse highlights how outward insignia can embody inner steadfastness in a righteous struggle.

What is happening in the narrative?

Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that a foremost monkey figure is seen adorned with banners. The description functions as a vivid battlefield detail, emphasizing prominence and signaling strength and morale in the ongoing conflict.