Shloka 343
अर्जुनस्य शीघ्रप्रयाणं भीम-शकुनियुद्धं च
Arjuna’s Rapid Advance and the Bhīma–Śakuni Encounter
ध्वजं कुरुपतेश्छिन्नं ददृशुः सर्वपार्थिवा: । समस्त राजाओंने देखा कि कुरुराज दुर्योधनका सोनेके अंगदोंसे विभूषित नाग- चिह्नयुक्त विचित्र, मणिमय एवं सुन्दर ध्वज कटकर धराशायी हो गया है
dhvajaṁ kurupateś chinnaṁ dadṛśuḥ sarvapārthivāḥ |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Nasaksihan ng lahat ng mga hari na ang watawat ng panginoon ng mga Kuru ay naputol at bumagsak. Sa moral na himpapawid ng digmaan, ang pagbagsak ng isang maharlikang sagisag ay higit pa sa pagkatalong taktikal: ito’y dagok sa dangal at tiwala, at hudyat ng unti-unting pagpanaw ng mapagmataas na adharmang pinatatatag ng kapangyarihan at pagpapakitang-gilas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how external symbols of power—like a king’s banner—can collapse suddenly; in the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such a fall often mirrors the weakening of adharma-supported pride and the instability of power divorced from righteousness.
During the battle, the royal standard of the Kuru leader is seen cut down. The gathered kings witness it, marking a visible setback and a psychological shock on the battlefield.