Shloka 5
Sauptika-parva Adhyāya 13 — Bhīmasena’s Pursuit of Drauṇi and the Release of a Divine Astra
वैनतेय: स्थितस्तस्यां प्रभामण्डलरश्मिवान् । तस्य सत्यवत: केतुर्भुजगारिरदृश्यत,उस ध्वजापर प्रभापुंज एवं किरणोंसे सुशोभित विनतानन्दन गरुड़ विराज रहे थे। सर्पोके शत्रु गरुड़ सत्यवान् श्रीकृष्णके रथकी पताकाके रूपमें दृष्टिगोचर हो रहे थे
vainateyaḥ sthitas tasyāṃ prabhāmaṇḍalaraśmivān | tasya satyavataḥ ketur bhujagārī dṛśyate ||
Wika ni Vaiśampāyana: Doon sa karwaheng iyon ay nakatindig si Vainateya (Garuḍa), nagliliwanag sa isang bilog na halo at sa mga sinag na dumadaloy. Bilang watawat ng tapat (Kṛṣṇa), si Garuḍa—tagapagpuksa ng mga ahas—ay lantad na nakikita bilang pamantayan ng karwahe, sagisag ng banal na pag-iingat at ng kapangyarihang moral sa gitna ng dahas ng digmaan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how symbols on a warrior’s chariot can signify moral and spiritual authority: Garuḍa, the radiant serpent-slayer, as Kṛṣṇa’s banner suggests protection, vigilance, and the primacy of truth (satya) even amid the chaos of war.
The narrator describes the chariot’s standard: Garuḍa (Vainateya) appears as the banner of Kṛṣṇa, shining with a halo and rays, visibly crowning the chariot as an auspicious and formidable sign.